Notes: Tracy sets tone for season

02/22/2006
BRADENTON -- Prior to leading his 62 players out to the practice field Wednesday for their first full-squad workout, Pirates manager Jim Tracy gave his inaugural "state of the team" speech in the Pirate City cafeteria.
His message: The Pirates must work together as a family and play the game the right way in order dramatically improve the club in the very near future.
"I felt like we had a very good meeting," said Tracy. "I think that the foundation is there from an understanding of what it is that we're trying to accomplish. If you were in there and you were paying attention, it should be pretty clear to you as to the direction that we're headed."
In Tracy's view, Wednesday's speech was just the beginning of what will be an ongoing paradigm shift for a franchise that has endured 13 consecutive losing seasons.
"I think we took a lot of major steps in that direction this morning," said Tracy. "In order to change a perception, when the perception is the way it's been for a period of time, there is a different mindset that you have to take on."
Tracy's speech was well received by Pirates players.
"Trace is a real well-spoken guy and he's got his points laid out," said outfielder Jeromy Burnitz, who previously played for Tracy in Los Angeles in 2003. "Let's play the game correctly and let's achieve something. That's the message that I got from him. Let's get it on and do our jobs correctly and win more games than this organization has won in the past couple of years."
"Trace is just trying to set a tone," added new first baseman Sean Casey. "We're a family and we have to get it done on the field."
Full squad in action: Pirate City was abuzz with activity Wednesday as many position players took the field for the first time this spring.
In addition to the bullpen sessions and bunting drills that were common during the first week of camp, several additional drills were added. Infielders had fielding practices on two fields, outfielders shagged fly balls, and the hitters took two separate rounds of batting practice. During the first session of BP, batters simply tracked balls from pitchers but did not swing. In the second phase, the hitters took their cuts against the coaches.
"It was a great workout," said Tracy. "We got a lot done today and we accomplished a lot of things."
Tracy plans to add new more drills to the workouts as the spring progresses.
"I did not want to overdo it [Wednesday]," said Tracy. "I am a firm believer that too much information too quickly can short-circuit people. We take it very slowly and make sure the concepts are understood. We'll see more action each and every day from this day forward."
A 'burgh thing: You'd probably have to be a Pirates fan to understand why Casey's first infield practice with the team so special to him.
Casey, a Pittsburgh native who grew up cheering for the Pirates, had the opportunity to field grounders off the bat of special instructor Bill Mazeroski on Wednesday. Mazeroski, of course, is a Pirates legend best known for his walk-off home run in the seventh game of the 1960 Series and his prowess as perhaps the best defensive second baseman in baseball history.
Casey had met the Hall of Famer only once before. That was during a 1997 visit to Gulf Coast Community College where Mazeroski's son was a coach.
"I was thinking that was the highlight of my career, having a conversation with Maz in the dugout," said Casey. "Now, I have Bill Mazeroski hitting me grounders."
Casey admits that he was a little nervous about having the defensive wiz observe him as he scooped up grounders.
"You start thinking, 'What's he think about my hands?' because his were so good," Casey said. "Then you think, 'OK. Get a hold of yourself.'"
Simon sighting: A familiar face was spotted shooting pool in the Pirate City game room Wednesday.
Randall Simon, who played for the Pirates in 2003 and 2004, has been working out with the Dutch national team at Pirate City in preparation for the inaugural World Baseball Classic. The former Bucs first baseman is attempting to use the tournament as a springboard to return to the big leagues.
"I've been working hard and getting into shape," said Simon, who appears trim after playing winter ball in Mexico. "I have a chance to try to get a World Cup and maybe make my way back."
Bucs bits: Fourteen of the pitchers who threw in the bullpen Monday returned to the hill Wednesday. Sean Burnett, Oliver Perez and Ian Snell also threw in the bullpen after requesting a second day off between throwing sessions on Tuesday. ... Recently-hired advanced scout Kent Tekulve will serve as a special instructor beginning March 1. The former Bucs closer will start scouting the Pirates' upcoming opponents March 20. He plans to travel five days ahead of the team throughout the season. ... Right-hander John Van Benschoten, who has been sidelined by right shoulder irritation, is expected to begin a throwing program this weekend.
Quotable: "It's definitely weird for me putting on a different uni. But it feels good. I've followed this [Pirates] emblem pretty much my whole childhood. It's exciting to be in this uniform." -- Casey, on suiting up with the Bucs after eight seasons with the Reds

Source: http://pittsburgh.pirates.mlb.com/