3-2 Changeup
01-19-2003, 08:18 AM
Pirates Notebook: McClendon expects stiff competition in camp
Sunday, January 19, 2003
By Robert Dvorchak, Post-Gazette Sports Writer
BRADENTON, Fla. -- Before the Pirates' five-day minicamp closed this morning, Manager Lloyd McClendon had a message for his players: Be in the best physical shape possible for spring training in order to compete for a roster spot.
"It'll be a spirited camp. The competition will be stiff. Guys are going to have to compete to win jobs. That's the way it should be," McClendon said. "For me, the ideal situation will be to have very tough decisions to make."
General Manager Dave Littlefield was working to add a proven starting pitcher through a trade or free agency, so the Pirates haven't set the depth chart yet. But there will be eight to 10 pitchers fighting for five starting jobs, including two pitchers with major-league experience who were signed last week, Rolando Arrojo and Jeff D'Amico.
"I don't know what they can do, but they'll be given every opportunity to compete," McClendon said. "If there are guys out there who think they can pitch, they'd be foolish if they didn't have their agent contact Dave. There's some great opportunity here."
Even as things stand now, the Pirates have a deeper group of pitchers than they had last year, which was a deeper group than the year before.
"That's a sign of better things to come," McClendon said. "My job is to take the best 12 pitchers north. And I know one thing, we'll go as far as our pitching will take us."
Stronger Pokey
The Pirates put Pokey Reese on an off-season program designed to strengthen his legs and help him stay away from the nagging injuries that kept him out of the lineup at times last season.
Reese said his weight is up about five pounds to 185, with added muscle in his legs.
"Pokey looks stronger," McClendon said. "And he always has that smile on his face."
Mr. Versatility
One of the busiest players at minicamp was Craig Wilson. He donned his catching equipment during bullpen sessions, fielded ground balls at first base, worked with outfield coach Rusty Kuntz on fly balls and had daily batting practice sessions.
"His versatility is what helped get him here," McClendon said. "It was good to get him a jump-start on spring training."
Sunday, January 19, 2003
By Robert Dvorchak, Post-Gazette Sports Writer
BRADENTON, Fla. -- Before the Pirates' five-day minicamp closed this morning, Manager Lloyd McClendon had a message for his players: Be in the best physical shape possible for spring training in order to compete for a roster spot.
"It'll be a spirited camp. The competition will be stiff. Guys are going to have to compete to win jobs. That's the way it should be," McClendon said. "For me, the ideal situation will be to have very tough decisions to make."
General Manager Dave Littlefield was working to add a proven starting pitcher through a trade or free agency, so the Pirates haven't set the depth chart yet. But there will be eight to 10 pitchers fighting for five starting jobs, including two pitchers with major-league experience who were signed last week, Rolando Arrojo and Jeff D'Amico.
"I don't know what they can do, but they'll be given every opportunity to compete," McClendon said. "If there are guys out there who think they can pitch, they'd be foolish if they didn't have their agent contact Dave. There's some great opportunity here."
Even as things stand now, the Pirates have a deeper group of pitchers than they had last year, which was a deeper group than the year before.
"That's a sign of better things to come," McClendon said. "My job is to take the best 12 pitchers north. And I know one thing, we'll go as far as our pitching will take us."
Stronger Pokey
The Pirates put Pokey Reese on an off-season program designed to strengthen his legs and help him stay away from the nagging injuries that kept him out of the lineup at times last season.
Reese said his weight is up about five pounds to 185, with added muscle in his legs.
"Pokey looks stronger," McClendon said. "And he always has that smile on his face."
Mr. Versatility
One of the busiest players at minicamp was Craig Wilson. He donned his catching equipment during bullpen sessions, fielded ground balls at first base, worked with outfield coach Rusty Kuntz on fly balls and had daily batting practice sessions.
"His versatility is what helped get him here," McClendon said. "It was good to get him a jump-start on spring training."