Rotation to take Spring Training stage

02/10/2006
PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Pirates will head to Spring Training next week feeling optimistic that the new season will be significantly better than the last.
Following the Bucs' busiest offseason in recent memory, the team has strengthened its offense and bullpen, and has added a coaching staff with a track record of big-league success.
However, for all of the moves the Pirates have made since October, it will be an area of the club that went relatively untouched during the winter facelift that will be the key to the club's success in 2006.
Pittsburgh's young starting pitchers, long considered the organization's greatest strength, must finally tap into their vast potential for the Pirates to realistically challenge for their first winning record since 1992.
"Pitching is always the most important part of the team. We've got a talented group," said general manager Dave Littlefield, the architect of Pittsburgh's winter renovations. "I'm looking forward to [manager] Jim Tracy, [pitching coach] Jim Colborn and [bullpen coach] Bobby Cuellar working with these guys."
The biggest challenges facing Tracy and Colborn are the enigmas at the top of the Bucs' starting rotation.
Southpaw Oliver Perez, who looked downright unhittable for most of the 2004 season, struggled with his velocity, control and confidence last season and was one of the biggest disappointments in all of baseball. Right-hander Kip Wells, who appeared to be well on his way to establishing himself as one of the game's promising young right-handers after finishing ranked 11th in the National League in ERA in 2003, led the big leagues in losses last season.
"My job is to help unlock what is inside them," said Coborn. "I think it is something that would have happened anyway if they would have just continued to compete. But once in a while I'll have a suggestion, idea or an approach that will help speed up the process. It isn't like I am magically taking a lump of coal and turning it into a diamond."
If Colborn can find a way to help Perez and Wells get back on track, the Pirates will have two potentially dominant starters at the top of their young staff. Otherwise, the Bucs will find themselves leaning on a pair of inexperienced southpaws to carry the burden.
Zach Duke, 22, was sensational as a rookie last season after being recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis in early July. Duke won each of his first six decisions, earned NL Rookie of the Month honors in each of his first two months in the big leagues and finished the season with an 8-2 record and a sparkling 1.81 ERA over 14 starts.
Paul Maholm, 23, was nearly as impressive as Duke. The former eighth overall selection in the 2003 First-Year Player Draft, Maholm went 3-1 with a 2.18 ERA over six starts following his Aug. 31 promotion from Triple-A, including two starts during which he tossed eight shutout innings against the Milwaukee Brewers and Cincinnati Reds.
"[Duke] did more than just get his feet wet. He made a statement for himself," said Tracy. "Maholm, if the season would have went on for another two or three weeks, he likely would have been in the same position from a statement standpoint as Zach Duke.
"Their maturity level, what they are ready to deal with and take on goes a long way in suggesting how successful they'll be in the early stages of their career."
While the success Duke and Maholm enjoyed so early in their careers was impressive, the Pirates know that there are potential pitfalls looming for a team that turns over two-fifths of their starting rotation to a pair of pitchers who have just 20 combined big-league starts under their belts.
"I anticipate they'll be like a lot of guys in their younger stages. They'll have their bumps along the way," said Littlefield. "But I think because of their talent and maturity they'll be able to overcome the problems and have long, successful careers."
The fifth starting spot will be up for grabs between Rule 5 acquisition Victor Santos and former top prospects Ian Snell, Ryan Vogelsong and Sean Burnett, who spent all of last season on the disabled list following elbow and shoulder surgeries.
Regardless of who wins the final job, Colborn will have his hands full with a volatile rotation that has the potential to carry or bury the Pirates in 2006.
For his part, Colborn certainly appears to be up for that challenge.
"I like their ability, their youth and their enthusiastic attitudes. I sense that they are hungry to learn," Colburn said. "That is the recipe for a pitching coach's happiness."

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

Pirates continue to strive for excellence

02/13/2006
Dear Pirates fans, As Spring Training approaches, the Pirates organization is looking forward to an exciting 2006 season. It's a great time to be in the city of Pittsburgh. First, I want to congratulate the entire Steelers organization on their amazing Super Bowl winning season. Like this region, they have proven to be a strong team that, against many challenges, has prevailed. I would also like to give my personal congratulations to the best owners in the NFL, Dan and Art Rooney. In an open letter to all Pirates fans this past October, I outlined the goals that we needed to accomplish this offseason in order to improve our organization. As we prepare for the opening of Spring Training, I am proud to say that we have accomplished what we set out to do. Our first goal was to hire the best manager possible to ensure that our core group of talented, young players continues to develop. In late October, we hired Jim Tracy. Despite numerous openings throughout Major League Baseball, Jim chose to manage the Pirates because he recognizes our potential. His hiring set the tone for the rest of the offseason. I also stated that, because of your support and the difficult decisions we've made in the past, we have gained the financial flexibility to grow our payroll by more than 30 percent this offseason. This provided the resources for Dave Littlefield and his staff to improve the team ... and we did just that. Many exciting changes occurred during the offseason including signing Jason Bay to a multiyear agreement, completing the trade for Sean Casey, adding Roberto Hernandez and Damaso Marte to our bullpen, and signing Joe Randa and Jeromy Burnitz. These changes will complement our core group of talented, young players that Dave and his staff have already assembled. As a result, we have witnessed a reenergized fan base and have already sold more season tickets to date this year than all of last season. We have also experienced record attendances at this year's PirateFest and Caravan stops. We are excited about the current momentum as we move into the 2006 season. Going forward, we are proud to host the 2006 MLB All-Star Game, where the finest players in the game will be showcased in the best ballpark in America, PNC Park. The All-Star Game will make a positive impact on the community and will give all of us the opportunity to showcase our region to a national and international audience. In addition, we value the deep-rooted relationships that we have within the community. We are in the process of refocusing our charitable efforts, which we feel will make an even greater impact in meeting the needs of this region. Through perseverance and hard work, the Pittsburgh Pirates are turning the corner and will continue to strive for excellence in all aspects of our organization. We have achieved greater financial stability, improved our team, and are strengthening our commitment to the community. On behalf of all of us in the Pirates organization, thank you for the tremendous support you have demonstrated last season and throughout the offseason. I look forward to seeing you at the Best Ballpark in America this summer. Best wishes, Kevin McClatchy CEO & managing general partner

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

Mailbag: Bucs' 'D' best in baseball?

02/13/2006
When the Pirates take the field in 2006, I think they will be one of the best, if not the best, defensive baseball teams in the league. Do you agree?-- Nick W., Bethel Park, Pa.
I am not willing to go as far as to predict that the Pirates will be the best defensive team in baseball next season, but I will say that they should be the best Pirates defensive unit in recent years.
The Bucs are particularly strong where it counts the most -- up the middle. Shortstop Jack Wilson and second baseman Jose Castillo are arguably the best double play combination in baseball, and both are legitimate Gold Glove candidates. Chris Duffy was nothing short of spectacular in center field as a rookie. If there is any weakness in this area it is behind the plate, although Humberto Cota and Ryan Doumit showed signs of improvement a year ago.
The corners certainly aren't bad, either. Left fielder Jason Bay has the range to play center field, which comes in handy for a guy who has to patrol the left field expanse at PNC Park 81 times per season. Right fielder Jeromy Burnitz, first baseman Sean Casey and third baseman Joe Randa are all better than average defenders.
For all of the talk about the Pirates' ability to improve their offense this offseason, we shouldn't underestimate the importance of the strides that they have made on defense. The team has given away far too many extra outs since moving to PNC Park, and this has led, directly and indirectly, to a lot of losses in close games.
Do you see Josh Fogg catching on with any other team? He was good when the Pirates left him in there. He seemed to have gotten the raw end of the deal last year in the rotation.-- Stephanie K.
Fogg recently signed a one-year deal with the Colorado Rockies. The Rockies, Giants, Reds, Nationals and Diamondbacks all reportedly showed an interest in Fogg. The Rockies, however, were apparently the only team willing to offer him a guaranteed big-league contract and the 40-man roster spot that goes with it.
I have to disagree with your assessment of Fogg getting a raw deal in Pittsburgh, Stephanie. He had just two wins in his final 18 starts, and the Pirates knew that he probably wouldn't be in their future plans. They simply decided to give some of their younger starters an opportunity to show what they could do in the big leagues.
Do you really think the Pirates are going to jump from the bad year they had in 2005 to a good year this year after all of the changes that they made over the offseason? -- Doug V., Uniontown, Pa.
I guess that depends on your definition of "good," Doug.
If by good you mean a division championship, then I don't see the Pirates meeting that lofty goal. There are just too many questions with the starting rotation. And the offense, although improved, is not among the league's elite by any stretch of the imagination.
If by good you mean they will have more wins than losses, then this remains a possibility. However, the Bucs will still have to have a lot of things go their way for this to happen, most notably rebound seasons from Kip Wells and Oliver Perez. Let's not forget that the Pirates finished 28 games under .500 in 2005. That's a lot of ground to make up in one year.
Could you list the players currently on the 40-man roster for the Bucs? -- Linda S., Tyrone, Pa.
You can access the 40-man roster on pirates.com. A list of Pittsburgh's non-roster invitees is also available on the site.
What happened to Brian Meadows? -- Taj S., Pittsburgh
The Los Angeles Dodgers signed Meadows to a Minor League deal and offered him a non-roster invitation to Spring Training.
OK, I'm a little worried here. I read that the only Pirate signed beyond this year is Bay. I know this season hasn't even started yet, but isn't it worrisome that talented players such as Jack Wilson and Castillo aren't guaranteed to be in the Pirates uniform? -- Courtney S., Pittsburgh
It's not quite as bad as it sounds, Courtney.
Fortunately, the other 39 guys on the roster besides Bay won't instantly become free agents after this season. In fact, the majority of these players will be under the control of the Pirates for years to come.
To simplify the contract situations as much as possible, a Major League roster can basically be divided into four different groups: players with fewer than three years of service time, players with fewer than six years of service time, players with six years or more of service time who are signed to multi-year contracts, and players with six years or more of service time who are signed to one-year deals.
Those with fewer than six years of service time are under control of the team. The so-called "zero-to-three" players are basically assigned a contract by the team, usually for close to the Major League minimum salary. About two-thirds of the Pirates' 40-man roster falls into this category.
Those players with between three and six years of service time are eligible for salary arbitration, but they can not leave as free agents unless the Pirates decide not to offer them a contract. This was the case with Fogg.
After six years of service time, players are eligible for free agency and they can sign with any team that they like. Wells, Craig Wilson, Jack Wilson and Salomon Torres will all be eligible for free agency for the first time next winter.
Veterans Casey, Randa and Roberto Hernandez are all under contracts that will expire after this season. Pittsburgh has a club option for Burnitz for 2007, which means it will be up to the Bucs to decide whether or not they want to bring him back for another season.
I know this can be a lot to wrap your mind around.
In summary, the seven players the Pirates could lose before the 2007 season are Wells, Jack Wilson, Craig Wilson, Torres, Casey, Randa and Hernandez. The other 32 Pirates besides Bay, although they will not technically be under contract, will remain under the control of the team.

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

Around the Horn: Bench

02/15/2006
Because of the grind of a 162-game schedule, reserves play a more prominent role in baseball than in any other professional sport.
Rare is the player who can answer the bell each and every day. Fatigue and slumps are common. Injuries are inevitable. In order to be competitive, a club must have depth.
The Pittsburgh Pirates clearly have a stronger bench than they did a year ago. As a result of the offseason additions of new starting first baseman Sean Casey, right fielder Jeromy Burnitz and third baseman Joe Randa, the Bucs have been able to push former starters into reserve roles.
Infielder Freddy Sanchez, outfielder/first baseman Craig Wilson and outfielder Jody Gerut were slotted in as potential 2006 starters before the Bucs went on their winter shopping spree. Instead, they'll form the nucleus of a reserve unit that should give new manager Jim Tracy plenty of options.
"Part of getting better at the Major League level is you have to have quality backups," said Pirates general manager Dave Littlefield.
"I think it is a good mix. Talent-wise, we are getting better."
Sanchez, who was healthy last season for the first time in two years, batted .291 with five home runs and 35 RBIs in 132 games. A versatile defender with good range and arm strength, Sanchez will serve as the team's primary backup at third base, shortstop and second base.
Although Sanchez is disappointed that he was not given the opportunity to compete for the starting third-base job, he say he's prepared to take on a lesser role for the good of the team.
"I'd love to start. Obviously, that's my main goal," said Sanchez. "But this year, I really feel like we have a chance to win. As much as I want to play, I want to win more.
"You just have to stay mentally prepared. It's a long season and anything can happen. You obviously don't wish an injury on anybody, but things happen. Hopefully, I'll be able to get some at-bats."
Wilson, who was sidelined for much of last season by hand injuries after leading the Bucs with 29 home runs in 2004, will serve as Casey's primary backup at first base. He'll also see time in right and left field.
Wilson's most vital role, however, could be as a big bat off of the bench late in games. As a rookie in 2001, Wilson tied the Major League record with seven pinch-hit home runs. In 79 career at-bats off the bench, he's gone deep 11 times and driven in 21 runs.
Wilson's ability to change a close game with one swing is something the Bucs pinch-hitters were missing in 2005, when they finished last in the National League with one home run and next-to-last in the league with a .197 average and 24 RBIs.
Gerut, who can play all three outfield positions, showed great promise when he hit 22 home runs as a rookie with the Cleveland Indians in 2003. Unfortunately, Gerut has been hampered by knee problems for the past two seasons, and he appeared in just four games with the Pirates after being acquired from the Chicago Cubs in a trade-deadline deal.
If, as expected, Gerut and Wilson are at full strength for the start of the season, they'll provide the Pirates with a potent righty-lefty combination off of the bench.
"To be able to bring in a backup like Wilson, who has hit 29 home runs and 82 RBIs, or a guy like Gerut, who hit 22 home runs in [2003] -- we haven't had that luxury," said Littlefield.
"Injuries are going to happen everywhere. It happens to every team, every season, and it's going to happen to us. Wilson and Gerut will be very valuable guys and get lots of at-bats over the course of the season."
With Humberto Cota and Ryan Doumit splitting the catching chores, the final bench spot will likely be up for grabs between veteran Jose Hernandez and prospect Yurendell DeCaster. Hernandez, a former All-Star shortstop who can play all seven infield and outfield positions, could have the upper hand because he performed well under Tracy for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2004.

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

Pitchers, catchers set for competition

02/16/2006
BRADENTON -- With all due apologies to Punxsutawney Phil, there is no better indicator that spring is on its way than the annual rite of pitchers and catchers reporting for the start of a new baseball season.
For the Pittsburgh Pirates and Bucs fans everywhere, the 2006 season and the Jim Tracy era got underway Thursday with players, coaches, trainers and staff members making their way through the Pirates City and McKechnie Field complexes in preparation for the first official workouts Friday.
The perpetually positive Tracy, who was hired as the 37th manager in team history on Oct. 11 after posting a 427-383 record in five seasons at the helm of the Los Angeles Dodgers, believes the Pirates have plenty of cause for optimism as the franchise embarks on its 120th season in the National League.
Bolstered by the additions of established veterans such as Sean Casey, Jeromy Burnitz, Joe Randa, Roberto Hernandez and Damaso Marte, the club Tracy is inheriting has only a passing resemblance to the squad that finished last in the NL Central with a 67-95 record a year ago.
For his part, Tracy admits that he is champing at the bit to get the first official workouts underway on Friday afternoon following team physicals.
"I've been looking forward to this for a while," said Tracy. "But I'm not so revved up that I am looking at it that [Friday] is the most important day as the manager of the Pirates.
"I'm looking at the big picture. I'm looking at it from the standpoint of beginning tomorrow and how that begins to translate from day-to-day over the course of the next seven months. That's what is important to me. In order to try to improve this club and get it to a level that it hasn't been in a while, I think that is how you have to perceive it."
It is perhaps fitting that in Tracy's first few days of camp he will have an opportunity to focus solely on the pitchers and catchers before the rest of the squad officially reports next Tuesday. With the starting lineup and bench already all but set, barring injuries, Tracy can use the extra time to assess his team's biggest question marks.
Southpaw Oliver Perez and right-hander Kip Wells, an enigmatic duo that will be looked upon to lead a talented but inexperienced starting rotation, will have their first official bullpen sessions with new pitching coach Jim Colborn this weekend. The Pirates hope that, under Colborn's tutelage, Perez and Wells will be able to bounce back from their disappointing 2005 seasons and return to the form that once made them two of the game's top young starters.
Southpaws Zach Duke and Paul Maholm, both of whom are coming off outstanding rookie seasons, will enter camp looking to prove that they were not simply one-hit wonders. Duke and Maholm must show that they can handle the mental and physical workload of taking the ball every fifth day in the big leagues.
Lefty Sean Burnett will do his best to prove to the Pirates that he is healthy enough to win the fifth spot in the starting rotation after missing all of last season recovering from elbow and shoulder surgeries. Burnett's challengers in the battle for the final rotation spot -- right-handers Ian Snell, Ryan Vogelsong and Victor Santos -- will each attempt to make a positive first impression on Tracy and his staff and get a leg up on the competition.
In the bullpen, hard-throwing southpaw Mike Gonzalez will attempt to show that Hernandez and Marte won't be needed as insurance policies in case he struggles as the team's new closer.
Although Colborn knows full well the complexity of the task that lies before him, his trademark dry humor was clearly on display Thursday when he laid out the goals he has for his pitching staff this season.
"I want all of the pitchers, by the end of the year, to be throwing 100 miles per hour," Colborn said, with tongue firmly planted in cheek.
"The other goal is if we can develop some ambidextrous pitchers that will allow us to have more position players."

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

Top 10 Pirates fantasy players

02/16/2006
If you're a Pittsburgh fan, and want a fantasy team chock full of Pirates this spring, here are 10 players who you should be keeping an eye on at your draft. Winding up with all of these guys is very unlikely, but for those of you who will be miserable all summer if you don't have at least a handful of Bucs, make sure to target the 10 names below:
Name Position Dollar value
1. Jason Bay OF $32 Skeptics that projected a sophomore slump out of Bay were sorely mistaken. Bay was one of the best all-around outfielders in baseball while batting in the heart of one of the least productive lineups in the league, and was second among outfielders -- to Vladimir Guerrero -- with a .961 OPS (.402 OBP, .559 SLG). A noticeable difference in his second Major League season was a willingness to take a free pass, walking 95 times compared to just 41 in '04. At 27 years old, Bay has quickly developed into the consummate five-tool player, and ought to be one of the first few outfielders selected in any fantasy league.
2. Mike Gonzalez RP $17 Gonzalez may finally get the chance to become Pittsburgh's full-time closer in 2006, and the hard-throwing left-hander certainly has the tools to thrive in that role. The transition may not be entirely smooth, though. Gonzalez walked 35 batters in 50 innings last season, and control problems don't necessarily disappear overnight. Then again, there are many relievers who are nasty enough to get by without great control, and Gonzalez fits that bill to a tee. If he does wind up the regular closer, then Gonzalez should be good for about 30-plus saves. The walks will hurt, but he'll make up for it with 80-90 strikeouts.
3. Oliver Perez SP $11 The seduction of Perez's awesome strikeout power is doused by the cold shower of all the walks and home runs he allows. Even in his superb 2004 season, the left-hander allowed 3.7 free passes per nine innings. A rocky start to 2005 boiled over when Perez attacked a laundry cart in June, and he missed 10 weeks when the cart fought back. There's no denying his talent, and the memory of 2004 remains in the minds of many owners, so Perez isn't going for cheap. But until he fine-tunes his control -- he walked more than he struck out last September -- Perez is a very risky play.
4. Zach Duke SP $10 Duke's game is built around an extraordinary changeup and excellent control, which he demonstrated during his run at the 2005 NL Rookie of the Year Award. Still, despite his impressive debut, he still has some proving to do. To ace the learning curve, he's going to have make adjustments in his second (and third) times through the league. Duke will figure it out eventually, despite playing for a poor team, but the results this year won't look like those from 2005.
5. Sean Casey 1B $9 Casey had an outstanding 2004 season, earning him a lofty draft position from owners who were hoping for a reprise in 2005. Instead, owners ended up with a player whose power completely dropped off the table. Casey could bump up his power numbers batting behind budding superstar Bay, but he didn't produce with Ken Griffey Jr. and Adam Dunn batting behind him in Cincinnati, so it's unlikely that will happen. Casey won't hurt your average, but you really need more than nine homers from your first baseman.
6. Joe Randa 3B $7 Randa will help your fantasy team a lot more than he'll help the Pirates offense. Then again, his outstanding clubhouse presence will help the Bucs more than it helps you, so it's kind of a wash. You know what you're getting with Randa: a pretty nice average, somewhere in the low teens in homers and a few RBIs. Randa is a very nice fallback if you can't get a star at third base, and he's a lower risk than quite a few of the guys ranked ahead of him.
7. Jeromy Burnitz OF $4 How sweet the Colorado surroundings can be. In 2004, in the declining stage of his career, Burnitz boosted his reputation with a monster season for the Rockies. Leaving Coors Field for Wrigley Field this past season was more of a true reflection of Burnitz's skills. PNC Park offers a moderate advantage to hitters, and in a weaker lineup, the 36-year-old is unlikely to surpass last year's numbers. Unless you're in an NL-only league and have the tolerance for a batting average in the .250s, pass on Burnitz.
8. Roberto Hernandez RP $4 Hernandez recently turned 41 years old, but he still throws very hard and is coming off his best season in years. Even more relevant, though, is that with Jose Mesa now out of the picture, Hernandez is the most experienced closer in Pittsburgh. Yes, we know -- Gonzalez is expected to fill that role. But what happens if the young left-hander struggles in his new job? The Bucs will likely turn to either Hernandez or Salomon Torres at that point, and Torres has about as much experience closing as Gonzalez. If you're looking to cash in on the possibility of a few extra saves, then Hernandez is the safer bet.
9. Salomon Torres RP $4 A durable, reliable setup man, Torres has averaged 81 appearances and a 2.70 ERA over the last two seasons. Unfortunately, he's also averaged just 5.66 strikeouts per nine innings over that span, a disappointing ratio for somebody with his arsenal of hard stuff. Relievers who induce contact usually have pretty negligible fantasy value, but there's a chance Torres could pick up a few extra saves this year -- that is, if first-year closer Gonzalez struggles. It's an outside shot at best, especially since the more experienced Hernandez is also on the roster, but it makes Torres worth a late-round insurance selection.
10. Ryan Doumit C $3 Doumit showed good power potential in his first taste of the big leagues. The switch-hitter batted only .197 in limited action before the All-Star break, but batted .281 with all six of his homers and 25 RBIs in only 49 second-half games. The Pirates appear ready to hand the reins over to Doumit full-time with Humberto Cota as the only other catcher on the roster. Doumit will turn 24 the first week of the season, and if he continues to progress, could hit 15 homers and knock in 60 runs in his first full season.

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

Notes: Workouts to stress fundamentals

02/16/2006
BRADENTON -- For the Pittsburgh Pirates, the first few days of Spring Training will be a lot like a flashback to the team's minicamp in January.
When the workouts officially begin Friday afternoon following player physicals, new manager Jim Tracy and his staff will incorporate drills that emphasize the importance of the fundamentals of the game. Bunting exercises, fielding practice and conditioning drills will be every bit as critical as the bullpen sessions and batting practice.
"The first couple of days will be a little bit of a refresher," said Tracy. "From there, we'll begin to gradually add information leading ourselves into the full-squad workouts and eventually into some games that we are going to play."
While Tracy will be expecting his players to give their best effort at all times, he plans to caution his pitchers not to overthrow in an attempt to earn a roster spot in February.
"I want [the pitchers] to have the chance to completely re-acclimate themselves to their environments," said Tracy. "Until a guy is standing in front of them with a weapon in his hand and somebody is standing behind the catcher saying, 'Ball one' or 'Strike one,' let's allow them the opportunity to do the things they need to do. When that opportunity does occur, we will see the best of them come out."
According to pitching coach Jim Colborn, approximately half of the 31 pitchers in camp will throw bullpen sessions of 30-40 pitches on Friday. The remaining pitchers, with the exception of injured right-hander Bryan Bullington, will take the mound for the first time Saturday morning.
Early start: Although the official Spring Training workouts don't begin until Friday, a majority of the pitchers and several position players worked out on their own at Pirate City on Thursday morning.
Zach Duke, Oliver Perez, Kip Wells, Paul Maholm, Ian Snell, John Van Benschoten, Victor Santos, Mike Johnston and Damaso Marte were among the 20 or so hurlers who threw long toss and ran sprint drills on the practice fields. Outfielders Nate McLouth and Chris Duffy and catcher Ryan Doumit were among the position players who were on hand for batting practice.
"I came down a week early just to be around the atmosphere again and get acclimated to the weather," said Duke. "Just being around the guys again kinda gives me the butterflies again. It makes me just want to get out there and get on the ball again."
Duke admitted that he and his teammates were also trying to make a positive impression on the new coaching staff.
"We showed a little bit of what we could do in minicamp. Now it will be showing what we can do on a day-in and day-out basis," said Duke.
"I want to show them that I work hard and do what I am supposed to do. Hopefully, that's what everyone is trying to do. It's exciting for all of us to prove all over again what we can do."
Though Tracy was not on hand for the workouts because he spent Wednesday and Thursday mornings in meetings with the front office, scouting and Minor League staffs, the Bucs skipper was nonetheless impressed by the large early turnout.
"It's flattering," said Tracy. "All of us are obviously very anxious to get started."
Crowded house: The Pirates won't be the only team utilizing the Pirate City facilities this month.
The Hyundai Unicorns of the Korean League, as they have for more than a decade, are once again holding their Spring Training workouts in Bradenton. They will share the Pirate City fields, batting cages, locker rooms and workout facilities with the Pirates until their camp ends on March 24.
The Unicorns, who will receive occasional instruction from some of the Bucs' Minor League coaches, have also scheduled their first-ever exhibition games at Pirate City this spring. They will square off against a Korean League Kia Tigers club that holds its spring workouts in Port Charlotte, Fla.
The Pirate City campus will be even more crowded when Minor League members of the Dutch World Baseball Classic team begin their minicamp in Bradenton on Feb. 18. The Dutch team will work out at Pirate City for three weeks before heading to Orlando on March 3 for the start of their pre-tournament training camp.
"It will be like a United Nations in the locker room," joked Pirates director of Florida operations Trevor Gooby.
Gooby said that the Pirates' workouts won't be adversely affected by the two visiting clubs because the teams will be using the facilities during different times of the day. The Unicorns traditionally hold some of their practices and workouts at McKechnie Field while the Bucs use the Pirate City fields.
"The Pirates are always the priority," Gooby said. "We work around their schedule for the outside groups."
DeCaster honored: Versatile prospect Yurendell DeCaster, who will compete this spring for the final spot on the Pirates bench, has been selected by Baseball America as the Winter Player of the Year.
DeCaster, 26, batted .325 with 17 home runs and 47 RBIs for the Oriente club in the Venezuelan Winter League. He spent the entire 2005 season at Triple-A Indianapolis, where he compiled a .280 average with 11 home runs and 61 RBIs in 122 games with the Indians.

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

Notes: Tracy stresses accountability

02/17/2006
BRADENTON -- Prior to holding his first official workouts as the manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates, Jim Tracy delivered a succinct message to his new squad, a message that he hopes will set the tone for a new era in Pirates baseball.
"There was one word that pretty much summarized the few things I had to say today, and that's accountability," said Tracy. "We're going to be accountable.
"Age, payroll and all of that kind of stuff for me is out the window. You are going to be held accountable for your actions. We all have to do that. That's just part of the business."
Along with this renewed commitment to accountability, Tracy believes, will be an understanding of what it takes to be a winning organization.
"The message that I was basically trying to send to them was that this is not really a good place to be if you think mediocrity is going to be OK. It won't work," said Tracy, before continuing on with a mantra players are sure to be familiar with very soon.
"There are two types of baseball teams. There are those that play and there are those that play winning baseball. The fact of understanding what it is and what you have to do to play winning baseball, that's what we're focused on. That's what we began to focus on today and that's what we'll continue to focus on each and every day from this point forward."
The Pirates' first Spring Training workouts, much like the team's minicamp a month earlier, were heavy on exercises aimed at stressing the importance of fundamentals.
Catchers worked with coaches to improve their defensive abilities before taking batting practice, and position players returning from injuries, including Chris Duffy, Jody Gerut and Jose Bautista, took BP under the guidance of new hitting coach Jeff Manto.
Pitchers made their way through stations for bunting and fielding drills. Fourteen of the 30 pitchers on hand, including Kip Wells, Sean Burnett, Zach Duke, Oliver Perez, Mike Gonzalez and Salomon Torres, threw bullpen sessions of approximately 40 pitches. New pitching coach Jim Colborn stopped Duke and Perez during their sessions to offer pointers.
While Tracy cautioned his pitchers not to overtax their arms early on in camp, he encouraged them to experiment with the suggestions given to them by the new coaching staff.
"They have to have an arena to be able to do some things that are maybe a little bit different than what they normally do, experiment with some things, take some instruction from Jimmy Colborn, [bullpen coach] Bobby Cuellar and the rest of our people," said Tracy. "You have to allow them the opportunity to do some of that."
Hernandez, Cararra absent: Veteran right-handers Roberto Hernandez and Giovanni Carrara were no-shows for the first day of workouts.
According to Pirates GM Dave Littlefield, the Venezuelan native Carrara is having trouble attaining a work visa and will likely join the team in the next few days. Littlefield said that Hernandez's arrival has been held up by personal issues. He is expected to join the team early next week.
Van Benschoten sidelined: Right-hander John Van Benschoten, who was sidelined for all of last season while recovering from surgeries on both shoulders, was held out of the workouts Friday for precautionary reasons after experiencing pain in his throwing shoulder.
"He has had some light shoulder irritation that has bothered him a little bit," said Littlefield. "We just think that time-wise, we should back him off a little bit and get him pain-free before he starts throwing again."
Van Benshcoten threw his first bullpen session since the injury during minicamp. No timetable has been set for his return to the mound.
Mackanin joins Reds: Former Pirates interim manager and bench coach Pete Mackanin, who was slotted to manage Pittsburgh's rookie league Bradenton affiliate this summer, was hired Friday by the Cincinnati Reds as their Major League advance scout.
"I anticipated, relative to Pete's desire possibly to do something at the Major League level, that this may be something that would happen," said Littlefield. "But he did a nice job for us and I think a lot of Pete. We've had him in a variety of roles and I want to wish him the best of luck."
Littlefield will consult with director of player development Brian Graham before assigning a new manager for the Bradenton affiliate.
Old heroes return: The Pirates, under Tracy, will continue their policy of inviting former franchise greats to serve as special instructors during Spring Training.
Former player, manager and coach Bill Virdon was on hand Friday for the first workouts. Manny Sanguillen, recently-hired advanced scout Kent Tekulve and Hall of Famer Bill Mazeroski will join the team later this spring.
"One of the things that young players have to not only learn but gain an admiration for is the respect factor of the game and the people who have participated in previous years or decades, and an understanding of the history of the organization that you are currently playing in," said Tracy.
"Seeing some of those people who have had an impact on an organization that is, in my opinion, very rich in tradition, I think that's a very special thing for them."
Bucs bits: Numerous Pirates pitchers were happy to learn that they will no longer be expected to participate in the annual mile run. According to conditioning coordinator Frank Velasquez, the dreaded endurance test is no longer necessary. "The players are reporting to camp in better shape," Velasquez explained. "And the guys who are behind will expose themselves eventually." ... Perez has switched his uniform number from 48 to 59. Colborn will now wear number 48 for the black and gold.

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

Wells wants more consistency

02/17/2006
BRADENTON, Fla. -- Following the toughest season in his seven-year big-league career, Pirates right-hander Kip Wells returned home to Houston last October asking himself how it all went wrong so quickly.
How, in the span of 18 months, did he go from being the Bucs' Opening Day starter and one of most promising young right-handers in the game to leading the Major Leagues with 18 losses?
"It was one of those things you look back on after the year and you're trying to put it behind you and move forward," said Wells. "You have a hard time fathoming how a guy could have a year like that? How could it get that bad? How could you not rebound? How could you not have better results than that?"
Wells was the very model of inconsistency in 2005.
Wells dropped his first three decisions of the season before winning five of his next six. He then lost eight of his next nine decisions, with his lone win during that stretch coming when he tossed a four-hit shutout and struck out 12 against the Phillies on July 5. He proceeded to lose six of his next seven decisions before holding the Brewers to one unearned run in 6 2/3 innings in his final start on Oct. 1.
In 14 of his 33 starts, Wells limited the opposition to two runs or fewer. But he also had 10 starts during which he allowed at least five runs. Wells pitched at least seven innings in 13 starts. On eight other occasions, he was unable to get out of the fourth inning.
"When you are in the midst of a battle like that, when you are in the middle of a daily grind, it's hard to come up for air. It's hard to realize you are just one or two outings from changing," said Wells.
"Then [the Pirates] sent me tapes this year from my good games. I watched them, and I'm asking myself, 'How did the guy who threw these games end up 8-18?'"
The answer, Wells believes, was in his inability to pick an approach and stick with it. In an effort to harness his command and cut back on his National League-leading walk total, Wells seemed to try something new almost every other start. One outing, he'd pitch from the far end of the rubber. When that didn't work , he'd try throwing the ball right down the middle of the plate hoping that it would tail off towards the corners. And when that didn't work ...
"I would have failures and struggle from start to start, and I would keep trying new things. It kept me from getting on a roll," Wells explained. "One start I would have a game plan of going with a power game, then it would be throttling down and trying to finesse a little more. Then we would tweak this or change that."
While Wells has been adamant about shouldering the sole responsibility for his past struggles and not placing any blame on former pitching coach Spin Williams, he's also been encouraged by the addition of new pitching coach Jim Colborn and manager Jim Tracy, both of whom have expressed their steadfast belief in Wells' abilities.
"He's had confidence before and he's had success before. It's in the package," Colborn said. "That's what it is all about, for individual players to realize that who they are is good enough. Most of the problems are caused when a player thinks he has to do more or be radically different than what his talents are in order to succeed. In most cases, that's not the case. They just need to be themselves and trust that."
During the team's minicamp in January, Colburn made two suggestions to Wells that he hopes will improve the right-hander's mechanics and allow him to throw more strikes. Colburn instructed Wells to lead with his left hip going directly towards the catcher's mitt while keeping his weight on the right leg. He also instructed Wells to keep the lower half of his right leg in line with the front of his body as he drives towards the plate.
"If you get these two things going in the right direction, you won't have to worry about flying off," said Wells. "It's all about getting your body in a position to throw firm strikes in the strike zone on a regular basis. If you are off line, the ball is going to tail or cut."
If the mechanical changes work and Wells is able to harness his command while maintaining his mid-90s velocity, he believes he'll be able to reach his many goals for 2006.
"There are several things that I am looking to improve upon," said Wells. "I need to cut down the walks; I need to win more games; I need to pitch deeper into ballgames; [and] I need to put several good games together in a row, so I have seven out of 10 instead of four and not as many bumps in the road that set you back.
"I owe it to the Pirates to go out and perform well. They gave me raises the last two years with me having years that I expected more out of myself."
What if Wells is able to reestablish himself as a frontline starter?
"We have an opportunity this year with these guys," Wells said. "If we all click, we have the capabilities of having a good year. Things have to happen for us to contend in this division. But we are going to be competitive and play sound baseball."

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

Notes: Shoulder delays Van Benschoten

02/18/2006
BRADENTON, Fla. -- Pirates right-hander John Van Benschoten had the first day of Spring Training circled on his calendar for months.
After spending the entire 2005 season on the disabled list while recovering from surgeries to both shoulders, Van Benschoten had envisioned the first workout for pitchers and catchers as his opportunity to once again feel like a part of the team. But when a routine team physical revealed that the former No. 1 draft pick was still suffering from tightness and weakness in his throwing shoulder, Van Benschoten was forced to the sidelines once again.
"This is nothing really major," said Van Benschoten. "But just not starting up with everybody else is the most frustrating thing. You wait a year to do this, and then you have a little tightness here and a little weakness there."
Following a team meeting and stretching exercise on Friday, Van Benschoten returned to the Pirates City training facilities visibly discouraged by the latest setback.
"I had my sights set on being out there Friday," he said. "Not being able to do that really wore on me.
Van Benschoten threw off a mound in January during minicamp and did not feel any pain in the shoulder, other than the discomfort expected following such a long layoff. It wasn't until the team physical that he realized the shoulder wasn't quite right.
"It wasn't something I would notice unless they did the tests [on] me. When I was home, I really didn't notice it," said Van Benschoten. "But when they did certain tests on my shoulder and there was weakness at one position and tightness in another, you've got to take precautions."
Van Benschoten is not experiencing any pain in the shoulder, and he describes the tightness as a "kink." He'll participate only in exercises aimed at stretching the shoulder until he can eliminate the tightness and weakness.
Although no timetable has yet been set on his return to the mound, Van Benschoten has been encouraged by the progress he has made in the two days since the physical.
"I already have noticed a huge difference," he said. "It might be tomorrow or it might be a week, but I am looking forward to getting out there pretty soon."
Extra session: New Pirates manager Jim Tracy hinted on Thursday that, time permitting, his club might participate in an "extra session" when camp opened. However, he didn't give any further explanation as to what the session might entail.
Because the drills ran late Friday because each player had to undergo a team physical before taking the field, the extra session was put on hold for a day. And just before the second day of workouts were about to end on Saturday, new pitching coach Jim Colborn unveiled the mysterious "extra session."
In what looked more like a professor leading his students around campus for an outdoor class than a traditional baseball drill, Colborn and his entire corps of pitchers walked from one Pirate City field to the next and discussed situational defensive scenarios. At different times, Colborn would call out a potential game situation. Rather than always give out the instructions himself, Colborn would occasionally ask his players to volunteer their interpretations of the proper way to execute that particular play.
In essence, Colborn was encouraging his pitchers to exercise their minds as much as their bodies.
"It takes patience because you have to be willing to get the wrong answers," said Colborn, who uses a similar approach in some of his meetings with pitchers. "But in the end, it's a better technique."
Upon closer inspection: In an effort to become better acquainted with each of his pitcher's deliveries, Colborn began the daily bullpen session on Saturday by having just two pitchers throwing simultaneously rather than making use of all four mounds.
"That's the first time I've done that," Colborn said. "When you have four-to-six pitchers on the mound at one time, it's impossible to focus on one. Even though you are watching one guy, you are distracted by other guys.
"I thought I would get it down to two at a time to get to understand their deliveries. The quicker I can speed up that process and understand what makes their deliveries click, the quicker we can have some positive results."
Right-handers Kip Wells and Marty McLeary were the first to get the dual treatment that Colborn intends to use with each of his pitchers at some point early on this spring.
What's in a number? Several Pirates pitchers and catchers have already begun to sing Colborn's praises. One even went so far as to give up his uniform number to the new pitching coach.
Oliver Perez, who had worn No. 48 since joining the Pirates in 2003, switched to No. 59 so that Colborn could keep the uniform number he'd had while serving as a member of the Dodgers coaching staff.
"It is special [to] him," said Perez. "He asked me to give it to him, and I [agreed]. It's not special for me. This number [59] was my first number in the big leagues, so it was no problem for me."
Perez was asked if he requested a favor in return for the number switch. Perhaps he could barter the number for a promise that he'd be given the Opening Day start?
"No," said Perez, grinning, "but I'd take it."
Other Pirates numerical changes this spring include Chris Duffy, switching from No. 26 to No. 6, and Nate McLouth, trading in his former No. 59 for No. 49.
Quote of the day: "He's a guy who learned how to pitch -- and not just threw the ball, but knew what he wanted to do with it with each and every one that he threw -- at about age 10. That's a little early to be that far along, but that's the kind of impression that you get about him. He's a very poised kid. He has a real understanding of what it is he's trying to do. He has a plan." -- Tracy, on Pirates sophomore southpaw Zach Duke

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

Notes: Tracy brings hands-on approach

02/19/2006
BRADENTON, Fla. -- During a routine throwing session on Sunday, Pirates manager Jim Tracy walked over from his spot behind one of the four bullpen mounds and offered young catcher Ryan Doumit a few tips on how to better receive balls in the dirt.
Tracy, who three days into his first camp with the Bucs has already established himself as a hands-on teacher, grabbed a catcher's mitt and got into a crouch behind the plate. He then showed Doumit how he'd been lifting his back side up on pitches that were in the dirt.
Doumit, in turn, made the proper adjustments. He then turned to Tracy and said, "I'm very coachable, skip."
It was, of course, music to Tracy's ears.
"I told him that's a wonderful quality to possess," Tracy recalled later.
"We're having fun. But when it's time to get busy and go to work, [the players] understand that, too. And they've shown it."
Such encounters have been common in the early days of camp as the Pirates players and members of the new coaching staff have begun to work through the feeling-out stage of their new relationship. The pitchers and catchers seem just as eager to take advice as the coaches are to dish it out.
"These guys have been in the playoffs," said catcher Humberto Cota. "They have been playing in October for a couple of years, and they know what they are doing. As players, we're just trying to follow them."
"They have stressed that we are going to do the little things to make us a winning baseball team," said reliever Salomon Torres. "I am eager to see that happen. There is more than hitting and pitching to playing good baseball. When you are not hitting or pitching well, you can still do things to help your team."
As Tracy is quick to note, those little things that the team works on time and again in February can often make the difference between winning and losing during the season.
Case in point: Tracy had also noticed that Doumit wasn't keeping his eyes on the ball as it crossed the hitting zone.
"If those last two feet [the ball] decides to do something different, it ends up hitting off of the outside of the glove," said Tracy. "If I take my head to ball [approach] and follow it to the catcher's mitt, it's much easier to center the ball and catch it in the pocket.
"It doesn't show up in the box score, but it can make a big, big difference in a baseball game, especially a one-run game."
Bay, Castillo arrive: Pirates left fielder Jason Bay and Jose Castillo made their first appearances at camp on Sunday, two days prior to the official reporting date for position players.
Bay, who had been in Pittsburgh with his wife earlier in the week to close the deal on a new home, decided to come in ahead of schedule so that he'd have extra time to get his legs under him. He'll be leaving the Pirates for at least a week in early March to represent Canada in the World Baseball Classic.
"I wanted to get a little jump on things," said Bay. "It's not like I am here a week early or anything, but it's a few days to get the soreness and all of that stuff out before the actual workouts start."
Castillo, who finished last season on the disabled list because of a knee injury, wanted to have his knee examined before he took the field with the rest of the position players.
"The doctors checked on my knee, and they said it's good," said Castillo. "I feel pretty good right now. I'm ready to play."
Tracy was pleased to see that Bay, Castillo and fellow early arrival Jack Wilson took the initiative to join the team before the reporting date.
"It's a tremendous statement," said Tracy. "One thing that certainly jumps out to me is the character of the people that are a part of this organization."
On the hill again: Thirteen of the 14 pitchers who had thrown bullpen sessions on Friday took the mound again on Sunday, including Kip Wells, Oliver Perez, Zach Duke, Mike Gonzalez and Sean Burnett.
The lone exception was reliever Damaso Marte, who had thrown on back-to-back days Friday and Saturday at the pitcher's request.
"Colby [pitching coach Jim Colborn] checks with them each and every day as far as what their preference is," said Tracy. "You have a bullpen guy who wants to do a little bit a second day in a row. There's no problem with that.
"There are guys that I consider to be resilient pitchers that like to get into the flow of things a bit quicker than the others. That's a personal preference, and I think you accommodate a personal preference for something like that."
Coming soon: Veteran relievers Roberto Hernandez and Giovanna Carrara were absent from camp once again Sunday.
Carrara (visa problems) is expected to join the team on Monday. Hernandez (personal issues) will likely be in camp a day later.
Tracy said that the pitchers' tardiness would not be held against them.
"I understand completely both cases, and I understand both people. There are absolutely no issues whatsoever with regards to either one of them."

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

Tracy: Wilson's commitment admirable

02/19/2006
BRADENTON, Fla. -- Although his catcher's mitt has gathered a lot of dust during the past few years, Craig Wilson still considers himself a catcher at heart.
"It's something you either love or hate, and I've always enjoyed it," said Wilson. "You'd like to get back there and squat as much as you can."
So, when Wilson decided to arrive early at Spring Training with the pitchers and catchers on Thursday, just like he had during the previous five springs, he didn't think it was a big deal.
Jim Tracy, on the other hand, saw it differently. Since Wilson hadn't been officially asked to report to camp early, the new Pirates manager viewed Wilson's willingness to strap on the "tools of ignorance" as a sign that the slugger was willing to go out of his way to help the team.
Tracy practically gushed when describing Wilson's commitment.
"[Wilson] is a guy that I really admire for what he is doing," said Tracy. "You talk about a guy coming in [to camp] in shape. How about a guy coming in and taking catchers gear and wanting to do some work in that aspect of the game?
"For a guy to come here, to want to come in here and want to work at that to increase that portion of his game and the versatility of it, I admire that."
Wilson, who admits he was "antsy to get going," had every reason to want to get an early start on the 2006 campaign and put last year behind him. After leading the Pirates with 29 home runs in 2004, the versatile Wilson spent most of last season recovering from a pair of hand injuries. Furthermore, with the Bucs' offseason acquisitions of first baseman Sean Casey and right fielder Jeromy Burnitz, Wilson knows he will have to prove that he deserves a regular spot in the lineup.
"It isn't the best feeling in the world knowing that they always seem to want to bring someone in to play a spot for you," said Wilson. "But at the same time, you still have to go out and produce on the field."
Tracy has made no secret of his intention to start Casey and Burnitz, and he used Wilson's early arrival as an opportunity to meet privately with Pittsburgh's longest-tenured current player and lay the cards out on the table. Tracy wanted Wilson to know that he will still be an important piece of the team's puzzle even if he isn't in the lineup every day. Tracy will be looking for Wilson to again put the team first this season in his role as a bench player and late-inning power threat.
"I talked to him and told him exactly where the situation is at right now," said Tracy.
As Tracy sees it, bench players are vital to any team's success. He plans to give Wilson adequate playing time so that Wilson will be sharp when called upon to deliver a clutch pinch-hit with the game on the line.
"[Wilson] has a chance to be a very productive player for us," said Tracy. "If he is going to be a very productive player for us, there are situations where you have to find at-bats.
"[If] I, as the guy in charge, haven't found at-bats for him leading up to those at-bats, then I haven't done a very good job with the player."
Wilson appreciated Tracy's straightforward approach. However, he's not yet willing to give up his fight for a spot in the starting lineup.
"It's nice to come in and know what is going to be expected of you," said Wilson. "After we chatted, [Tracy] let me know where I was at. That's definitely appreciated.
"I'm going to go out and play hard. Hopefully, I'll make it tough for him not to put me in the lineup."

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

Mailbag: Can Snell emerge as an ace?

02/20/2006
Is Ian Snell going to start this year? Why does he not get as much attention as Paul Maholm and Zach Duke? Neither one of them has pitched a no-hitter.-- F. D., Jacksonville, Fla.
Snell will compete for the final starting rotation spot this spring against Victor Santos, Ryan Vogelsong and Sean Burnett.
Although Snell has posted an amazing 58-20 record in the Minor Leagues, including the May 5, 2005 no-hitter against Triple-A Norfolk, he has struggled at the Major League level. In 18 career appearances with the Bucs, Snell has gone 1-3 with a 5.67 ERA.
Maholm and Duke, by contrast, combined for 11 wins in 14 big-league decisions, and they posted a cumulative 1.93 ERA in their 20 starts with the Pirates in 2005. Both are considered virtual locks to earn spots in the Pittsburgh starting rotation.
What players on the 40-man roster, especially those who will be returning to the Major Leagues, will be eligible for the Rookie of the Year Award?-- Ben C., Virginia Beach, Va.
Let's take a look at another rule book.
According to Major League guidelines, "a player is considered a rookie unless, during a previous season, he had exceeded 130 at-bats or 50 innings pitched in the Major Leagues; or accumulated more than 45 days on the active roster of a Major League club or clubs during the period of the 25-man limit (excluding time in military service and time on the disabled list)."
Among the players on the Bucs' 40-man roster who appeared in at least one big league game in 2005, catcher Ronny Paulino, southpaws Maholm and Tom Gorzelanny and right-handers Jonah Bayliss, Bryan Bullington and Matt Capps all will be considered rookies during the upcoming season.
One of the reasons for optimism this year is the new regime and new attitude that manager Jim Tracy seems to bring to the table. I really like the fact that he said this team will not hide behind excuses such as, "We're young, we're inexperienced." How much of a difference do you think the new manager and coaching staff will have on this team?-- Jeff B., Toronto
It is always difficult to gauge how much a manager can truly impact the performance of a team. One need look no further than the year-by-year records of likely future Hall of Fame skippers Joe Torre, Bobby Cox and Tony La Russa to see that even the best managers are only as good as the talent on their roster.
With that being said, the Pirates were able to address several of their roster needs this offseason, and I'd be surprised if they didn't improve upon their 67-95 record of a year ago. But, if the Pirates are going to make the leap over the .500 mark for the first time since 1992, it will certainly have more to do with the production of the players than Tracy's in-game strategies, renowned communication skills and his emphasis on the importance of fundamentals.
I am more hopeful with this 2006 Pirates team than I have been in years. One issue that concerns me, however, is the injury status of Jose Castillo and Chris Duffy. They are key to the Pirates' offense and defense, and I am not hearing much about their physical status. Are they 100 percent healthy? And, for that matter, is Jody Gerut 100 percent? It would be nice to be kept up to date on some of the Pirates battling back from injuries.-- Thomas, M., Greensburg, Pa.
I certainly keep this in mind as I compile my daily notebooks. You'll see injury updates on these players and others throughout the Grapefruit League schedule and beyond.
As for Duffy, Castillo and Gerut, all three of these players have told me recently that they have fully recovered from their respective injuries. Duffy and Gerut have been working out in camp since it opened last week. Castillo joined the team Sunday and began taking ground balls Monday.

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

Notes: Carrara revving for action

02/20/2006
BRADENTON -- Giovanni Carrara arrived at McKechnie Field on Monday looking to make up for lost time.
The veteran reliever had been held up in his native Venezuela after submitting his visa application late and was unable to report with the pitchers and catchers last Thursday. He was further delayed over the weekend by a family problem.
"I was supposed to be here on Saturday, but my kid had a little trouble, so I had to go back home," said Carrara. "Finally, I'm here."
Carrara, who will celebrate his 38th birthday on March 4, has good reason to want to get back on the mound as soon as possible. After signing a Minor League deal in December, the right-hander understands that he's no lock to make the big-league team.
"You want to get here early and try to impress," he said. "I want to be in the big leagues, believe that.
"When you don't have that much time, it's tough. Hopefully, I am ready to go. I'm here. We'll see."
Despite spending four seasons together with new Pirates manager Jim Tracy and pitching coach Jim Colborn in Los Angeles, Carrara discounted the notion that he might have an advantage over the other pitchers he is competing against.
"I don't think it's going to help me," he said. "If I don't do my job, I don't think I'm going to make the team just because I worked with them for four years. I have to come here and do whatever they want. I have to bust my [tail] out there. If I don't do good, I don't deserve to be here."
Carrara is expected to pitch his first bullpen session on Tuesday.
Castillo flashes leather: Pirates second baseman Jose Castillo took another step in his recovery from the left knee injury that ended his 2005 season by taking infield practice for the first time Monday.
Upon finishing a round of batting practice, Castillo grabbed his glove and headed out to the infield dirt to field approximately 30 grounders off the bat of special instructor Bill Virdon. After initially bobbling a few routine balls and appearing reluctant to bend his left leg, Castillo loosened up as the session continued. He ended the drill by ranging far to his right to field a grounder in front of second base.
Castillo, who told reporters Sunday that the knee was feeling good, couldn't pass up the opportunity to playfully drop an "I told you so" as he walked by the scribes who were watching the drill.
In the 'pen: Thirteen of the 15 pitchers who threw bullpen sessions on Saturday were back on the mound again Monday. The lone exceptions were southpaws Paul Maholm and Damaso Marte.
Maholm has been bothered by slight hamstring tightness and was held out as a precaution. He'll likely throw again on Tuesday or Wednesday. Marte was given an extra day off after having thrown on consecutive days over the weekend.
Right-hander Kip Wells' 30-minute bullpen session on Monday was by far the longest of the spring thus far for any pitcher. He stopped several times during the session to discuss suggestions made by Colborn.
"I saw a lot of significant improvement [with Wells] today," said Tracy. "[He made] an adjustment to his delivery. When you make an adjustment to someone's delivery, there are pitches that have to be thrown. And in between the pitches, there is some discussion that takes place.
"There was a distinctive difference between what I saw today versus when I saw him pitch last September out in Los Angeles.
Ready Freddy: Unlike previous years, when infielder Freddy Sanchez entered the McKechnie Field clubhouse for the first time Monday, he didn't feel the need to make a beeline to the training room.
"This is going to be the first Spring Training in two or three years where I didn't have to be the first one at the field every morning and the last one here," said Sanchez. "It feels good. I can just go out and play."
Playing is what Sanchez hopes to do a lot of this season despite the fact that he does not have a starting position to call his own. After hitting .291 in 132 games with the Bucs in 2005, Sanchez will be relegated to bench duty as the team's primary backup at third base, second base and shortstop.
"The bench is a big part of the team and [Tracy] uses his bench a lot. That is a good sign," said Sanchez. "To win a championship, you need everybody. It's good to hear that he's going to try to get everybody in there."
Sanchez just has to do is figure out how many gloves he's going to need.
"I think I've boiled it down," said Sanchez. "I may just use one this year, two at the most. Not three.
"But at least I know if I need some gloves, I'm going to be getting in there."
Sanchez is one of a handful of Pirates regulars who arrived early to camp. The rest are expected to report on Tuesday in advance of the first full-squad workout on Wednesday.
Bucs Bits: Right-hander John Van Benschoten, who was not yet pitched in camp due to minor irritation in his surgically repaired right shoulder, will likely throw a long toss session from 90 feet on Wednesday or Thursday. ... Infielder Jose Bautista has been limited in his workouts due to a bout with the flu. Coach Rusty Kuntz has also been bothered by the flu bug since early last weekend.

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

Veteran, youngster compete for spot

02/21/2006
BRADENTON, Fla. -- Pirates infielders Yurendell DeCaster and Jose Hernandez reported to Spring Training on Tuesday at the opposite ends of the career spectrum.
DeCaster, 26, was added to Pittsburgh's 40-man roster for the first time this past offseason after hitting .280 with 11 home runs and 61 RBIs in 122 games with Triple-A Indianapolis. He is a prospect on the rise, looking to get his first taste of the big leagues.
Hernandez is a former All-Star out to prove that he has another productive season left in his 36-year-old body. Coming off of a disappointing season with the Cleveland Indians (.231 BA, 6 HR, 31 RBI), he accepted a non-roster invite to Pirates Spring Training when no other teams were interested in signing him to a big-league deal.
For all of their differences, the two players share a common goal: They both want to earn a spot on the Pirates 25-man roster and head north with the team for the opening of the 2006 season.
The Pirates starting lineup is already set, with the exception of catcher, where Ryan Doumit and Humberto Cota are expected to share duties behind the plate. With infielder Freddy Sanchez, first basemen/outfielder Craig Wilson and outfielder Jody Gerut already entrenched in their roles on the bench, only one reserve spot remains available.
Manager Jim Tracy has often said that he wants to fill the last opening with a player who has the ability to fill in at several different positions.
"One of those [bench players] has to be a pretty special guy from a standpoint of versatility," said Tracy.
Hernandez and DeCaster certainly fit that bill. Both have the ability to play just about anywhere on the diamond.
Hernandez, while playing for Tracy in Los Angeles in 2004, appeared at every position except for pitcher and catcher. The Bucs skipper has made no secret of his admiration of Hernandez's versatility.
"In the National League, with the number of things that have to be considered and quite possibly take place in the course of a game, to be a bench player who has that type of versatility is invaluable," said Tracy.
Hernandez cited his relationship with Tracy as the primary reason he took the Pirates non-roster offer rather than accept a similar deal from the Dodgers or Nationals.
"Tracy was the biggest thing," said Hernandez. "I played for him already in L.A. and I want to be part of this team."
DeCaster, like former Bucs supersub Rob Mackowiak, can play third base, second base and all three outfield positions. He is also beginning to put his raw talent to use at the plate. After hitting between 11 and 19 home runs during each of his previous five Minor League seasons, DeCaster batted .325 and belted 17 home runs and drove in 47 runs in the Venezuelan Winter League on his way to being selected by Baseball America as the Winter Player of the Year.
"It felt so great that I could go to Venezuela and do my best and have some success," said DeCaster. "Now, I have to come in and do my best and see if I can make this team. I don't know what my chances are, but I am going to do everything I can to be one of those guys who breaks with the team."
DeCaster's winter exploits did not go unnoticed by the Bucs skipper.
"Someone who goes out and spends his winter improving himself at his trade and hits 17 home runs in the Venezuelan Winter League, that will have a tendency to get your attention," said Tracy.
The World Baseball Classic could have an impact on both DeCaster and Hernandez.
DeCaster, a native of Curaco, will leave the Pirates camp to join the Dutch national team in early March. Although he'll be gone for at least a week, perhaps longer if the underdog Netherlands squad can earn an upset win or two in the first round, DeCaster was encouraged by Pirates GM Littlefield to participate in the tournament.
"I think it will be a positive [experience]," said Littlefield. "The fact that he will play in a game-like environment with probably more riding on it than a Spring Training game will be something that will help him."
Hernandez, who has been invited to play for Puerto Rico, is strongly considering skipping the tournament so that he can remain with the Pirates.
"I don't know yet," said Hernandez. "It's going to be a hard decision. I have to see the situation here. I have to make this team.
"I talked with [Puerto Rican team officials] and explained my situation. I know it's my country and my flag, but this is my job first. I'll see this situation first and go from there."
Although Hernandez might appear to be the early favorite to win the final roster spot because of his past history with Tracy, the Bucs skipper says that the competition is wide open between the upstart rookie and grizzled veteran.
"We are going into a first full-squad workout [Wednesday] very open-minded," said Tracy. "I don't know who is going to make the team."

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

Notes: Randa, Casey feel at home

02/21/2006
BRADENTON, Fla. -- The Pirates' official reporting date for position players on Tuesday was a homecoming of sorts for a couple of new Bucs.
Third baseman Joe Randa, who signed a one-year free agent deal during the offseason, was a key member of Pittsburgh's surprising 1997 team that challenged for a Central Division title until the final week of that season despite a sub-$10 million payroll. Randa flashed back to some of the exciting moments from that season as he traveled to the ballpark on Tuesday.
"It was weird driving in. A lot of memories floated back kind of quick," said Randa. "It's exciting to be here again."
Much has changed in the nine years since Randa last stepped out of the McKechnie Field clubhouse, particularly the personnel. Only the team's announcers, clubhouse managers and a few front office staff remain.
"Those guys are the only constant thing, I guess," said Randa. "It even looks a little bit different than I remember. I don't remember it being as big."
First baseman Sean Casey, a Pittsburgh native who was acquired from the Reds in a December trade, traveled to Bradenton as a child to watch the Pirates play. Tuesday was his first chance to unpack his bags in the same locker room as his boyhood heroes.
"My dad and I used to come here when I was a little kid," said Casey. "It's weird to be a player here now."
Casey will also have to get used to the fact that he won't be playing down the road in Sarasota anymore.
"It was funny driving by Ed Smith Stadium [the Reds' spring home] on the way over here. I'm so used to going that way," said Casey. "But it's great to be over here."
Casey, Randa and the rest of the position players will join the pitchers and catchers on Wednesday for the first full-squad workouts.
"I'm excited to get it going," said Casey. "Any time you get to the season you are ready to go. I'm excited to get back on the field and get playing again."
Hernandez gets to work: Veteran reliever Roberto Hernandez also made his first appearance in camp on Tuesday, five days after pitchers and catchers were scheduled to report.
The Pirates granted Hernandez permission to arrive late because the Dominican native needed extra time to arrange for his ailing father, Sergio, to be flown to the United States for medical care.
"I appreciate that and I am deeply gratified," said Hernandez. "My dad is the last one from his side [of the family] and I'm trying to make sure that he is OK and he has the best doctors around him."
Hernandez wasted no time getting back into the swing of things. He was one of 13 pitchers to throw a bullpen session on Tuesday.
"I'm ready to go," said Hernandez.
Money talk: The Pirates have 17 players on their 40-man roster who remain unsigned: pitchers Sean Burnett, Zach Duke, Mike Gonzalez, John Grabow, Mike Johnston, Paul Maholm and Ian Snell; catchers Humberto Cota, Ryan Doumit and Ronny Paulino; infielders Jose Bautista, Jose Castillo, Brad Eldred, Javier Guzman and Freddy Sanchez, and outfielders Chris Duffy and Nate McLouth.
Because each of the 17 unsigned players has less than three years of Major League service time, they remain under the contractual control of the team. The Pirates can unilaterally renew the players' contracts at their discretion if they refuse to sign.
"It's a system that the players and the owners agreed upon," said Pirates GM Dave Littlefield. "Like a lot of things in this business, you work with the system that is out there."
In the past, some players have refused to sign the Pirates' offer sheets as a form of protest. Perez and outfielder Jason Bay were renewed under these circumstances a year ago.
While such a situation could arise again this spring before the team-imposed March 1 deadline for signing contracts, Littlefield is not concerned that the negotiation process will lead to any long-term disgruntled feelings toward the club.
"I don't think it has any real significant issue in the big picture," said Littlefield. "This is the system we have and I am very comfortable with how we have handled it, as are most players and agents because we have very few who decide not to accept where we are at."
Bucs bits: Manager Jim Tracy will address his team Wednesday prior to the noon start of the first full-squad workouts. ... Left-hander Paul Maholm returned to the mound on Tuesday after sitting out the previous day due to a slight hamstring pull. ... Perez, Snell and Burnett each requested an additional day off between bullpen sessions. They are all expected to pitch again Wednesday. ... Bautista, who had been battling the flu, fielded ground balls and hit in the indoor cage for the second straight day Tuesday. He expects to be ready to take batting practice with the rest of the position players by the weekend.
Quotable: "We're far enough along in the process where you need the other guys now. I am very big on the fact of not wanting Spring Training to get stale. With the other guys coming in, you'll see the program change somewhat. ... We are to the point in time now where they are needed." -- Tracy, on having the position players join the spring workouts.

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

Johnston hoping to turn corner

02/22/2006
BRADENTON, Fla. -- Mike Johnston is accustomed to having to beat long odds.
In 2004, the hard-throwing southpaw made the Pirates out of Spring Training despite having never previously pitched above the Double-A level. In doing so, Johnston joined former outfielder Jim Eisenreich as just the second person with Tourette's Syndrome ever to make it to the big leagues.
Johnston faces yet another challenge this spring. He is no higher than fourth on the depth chart for a Pirates team that is loaded with left-handed relief pitching. To avoid a return trip to Triple-A Indianapolis, Johnston will likely have to beat out more accomplished southpaws in Damaso Marte and John Grabow.
"This is a very big year for me," said Johnston. "I want to go out there and do the best I can to get to the big leagues and prove that I am worth keeping around."
Johnston, 27, has endured many more bad times than good since his rookie season with the Bucs.
After posting an impressive 1.84 ERA during his first two months in the big leagues, Johnston began to experience pain in his left elbow. He allowed nine runs in his next 10 outings and was subsequently put on the disabled list.
"I did pretty well for the first two months and then ran into a little trouble with the arm," said Johnston. I went to the Minor Leagues and never really recovered."
Johnston admits that he was crushed when he learned the Pirates would not bring him back to the big leagues following his Minor League rehab assignment.
"I just fell apart from there," said Johnston, who would go on to post an 8.40 ERA in 19 appearances at Triple-A. "It was tough. I let it get to me a little bit too much.
"You get to the big leagues and you expect to be there. When you go down to the Minor Leagues it is a big disappointment. It really took its toll on me and my performance resulted from it."
Johnston's problems continued when a recurring blister on his middle finger sidelined him for much of last spring and prevented him from seriously competing for a big league roster spot. This time, however, Johnston was determined to make the most of his trip back to the Minors. He allowed just one earned run from mid-April until early June and was recalled to Pittsburgh on June 23.
Johnston lasted just four days and one outing with the Pirates before being sent back down. In his lone appearance, he was touched up for four runs in one inning against the St. Louis Cardinals.
"I just didn't have it that day," said Johnston, who later learned that he was tipping off his pitches by lifting his arm for a curveball and keeping it down for a fastball. "They basically knew exactly what was coming. When they know what's coming, that team's not going to miss it."
Undeterred, Johnston returned to Triple-A Indianapolis and pitched well before his elbow began flaring up again. He was diagnosed with lateral tendinitis in his left elbow and shut down for the season Aug. 26.
"It wasn't as bad as my year in the big leagues. They just shut me down for precautionary reasons," said Johnston. "I was pitching really good down there and I thought I would get a big league callup."
Johnston spent the offseason trying to get into the best shape of his life. He and his new bride, Michelle, purchased a house in Altoona, Pa. and installed a exercise room in their basement. He worked out three hours per day so that he could be in top physical condition for Spring Training.
"I really killed myself this offseason with running," said Johnston. "There was no excuse for not making it to the gym. My gym is in my basement."
If the first week of camp is any indication, the hard work seems to be paying off. According to Pirates director of development Brian Graham, Johnston appears to be throwing free and easy for the first time since 2004.
"Last year, the velocity was down and I'm not convinced he was 100 percent healthy," said Graham. "He looks a lot better this year. He's thrown the ball well and it's nice to see him at the point he's at right now."
Johnston has also impressed new pitching coach Jim Colborn as a quick study.
"He's shown significant improvement," said Colborn. "He's in the top few guys in terms of tidying up his delivery."
Although Johnston remains a long shot to make the team out of Spring Training unless another pitcher ahead of him is injured, the Pirates are reluctant to count him out of the running.
"He's certainly in the mix with the left-handers that we have," said Pirates GM Dave Littlefield. "He's a very talented guy and we have high hopes for him. More than anything, he needs to perform well."
"Mike Johnston is a competitor. He's a guy that cares about his job," said Graham. "I have confidence that he's going to get back to the big leagues."
For Johnston, whose wife is expecting the couple's first child Oct. 4, a change of address would suit him just fine.
"I wouldn't mind selling that Altoona house," said Johnston. "I want to get a house in Pittsburgh."

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

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/

Notes: 'Maz' sings Castillo's praises

02/23/2006
BRADENTON, Fla. -- Bill Mazeroski was one of the few players in baseball history who was able to punch a ticket to Cooperstown based primarily on what he was able to do with his glove.
So when the great "Maz" tells you that Bucs second baseman Jose Castillo is the best in the business right now, you tend to listen closely to what he has to say.
"He can do it all," said Mazeroski, an eight-time Gold Glove winner at second base who is serving as a special Spring Training instructor with the Pirates. "He does everything well. He's got a better arm than everybody. He's got a quicker release. You just look at his fundamentals, and they're all good."
Castillo's double-play partner, Jack Wilson, who is among the top defensive shortstops in the game, echoed Mazeroski's sentiments.
"I agree with Maz," Wilson said. "A lot of guys are quick, but no one has the arm that Castillo has. He has best the arm on our team. It's pretty impressive what he can do over there."
What makes Castillo's prowess at second base all the more remarkable is the fact that he spent most of his Minor League career at shortstop before switching positions when he made the jump from Double-A to the big leagues in 2004.
"I didn't play second base in the Minor Leagues," Castillo said with the help of translator Oliver Perez. "I had to practice hard to feel comfortable. It feels good to be playing well now."
By all accounts, Castillo hasn't come close to reaching his potential. He'll continue to improve as he continues to learn the intricacies of the position.
"When you learn at the Major League level, it's tough," said Pirates director of player development Brian Graham, who was singing Castillo's praises long before the infielder made his big-league debut. "But this guy is such a competitor; he is very intelligent, and he has great baseball instincts. He's proven to be a pretty darned good second baseman, and he's going to get better."
With Castillo apparently healthy again after missing the final month of the 2005 season because of a ligament tear in his left knee, Pirates manager Jim Tracy believes his second baseman is a legitimate contender for the Gold Glove Award. He told Castillo as much earlier this spring.
"I'm not the least bit shy about suggesting things to my players that make a lot of sense," said Tracy. "I don't think it's overstepping my bounds to talk to guys about thinking about that big gold trophy that they give out at the end of the year. It's OK to win some of those. They look really nice on a mantelpiece."
For his part, Castillo has even bigger aspirations.
"I want to be in the same class as a Maz," he said.
JVB throws: Former first-round pick John Van Benschoten threw Thursday for the first time since pitchers and catchers reported on Feb. 16.
The right-hander, who spent all of last season on the disabled list while recovering from surgeries on both shoulders, felt tightness and weakness in his throwing shoulder during the annual team physical and was shut down as a precaution. He threw from a distance of 60 feet on Thursday and reported no setbacks.
"I felt really good," said Van Benschoten. "I guess whatever was there was flushed out. It's a relief.
"You get anxious, but this kind of stuff happens with surgery. It's not going to be smooth sailing all the way. You're going to have bumps in the road. It's good to get over that bump."
Van Benschoten will extend his next long-toss session to 90 feet before returning to the mound to pitch a bullpen session.
"I think it's going to be a pretty accelerated program from here on out," he said.
No Picassos: Many of the Pirates players have been forced to access the right side of their brains in recent days.
For the second straight year, the Bucs are painting canvases for the team's in-game entertainment crew. The finished products will be photographed and displayed on the PNC Park scoreboard when a player comes to the plate.
"The players seem to like it, and the fans like it," said Pirates in-game entertainment assistant Jay Sedlak. "It shows their personality."
According to Sedlak, the Pirates raised more than $20,000 for charities last season by making the canvases available for auction. Sedlak also said that Major League Baseball is considering doing similar paintings during the All-Star Game at PNC Park this summer.
The players didn't seem to mind temporarily trading in their baseball uniforms for overalls.
"It was fun," said Bucs lefty Zach Duke. "You get to be a little artsy for a day."
Bucs bits: Thirteen pitchers threw in the bullpen Thursday, including left-hander Damaso Marte. Marte had not pitched during the previous four days because of a bout with the flu. ... The Pirates' position players will be given the opportunity to take live batting practice for the first time Friday. However, Tracy is already preaching the need for his hitters to be selective at the plate. "If you want to swing off of live pitching, go right ahead," said Tracy. "But recognize the fact of what a strike is and what a ball is. Let's get a good swing at a good pitch."

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