"We're trying to think through this and make the best decision for the club, not only for the opening of the season but for 162 games," general manager Dave Littlefield said. "We've talked about it a lot. We haven't finalized fifth spot or how the bullpen works. With some time left, it was probably wise for us to continue to take a look at some people."

Joe Beimel and rookies John Grabow and Mike Johnston remain in the mix as left-handed relievers.

In addition to the release of Guthrie and Merced, reliever Mark Corey was optioned to Class AAA Nashville. Also reassigned to Nashville were non-roster invitees Juan Acevedo and Willis Roberts, both relief pitchers with major-league experience, and outfielder/first baseman Andy Abad.

After the game last night, backup catcher Keith McDonald and infielder Chris Truby were also reassigned to Nashville.

The eight cuts reduced the camp roster to 31. Sunday is the deadline for getting down to the 25-man limit.

Guthrie and Merced, two veterans invited to camp with the opportunity to win roster spots, posted poor numbers in camp and were pushed by younger players in the minor-league system. In contrast to last year when castoff veterans were the only option the team had, the emergence of J.J. Davis and young relievers provided younger, cheaper choices.

Guthrie, a 13-year veteran, was 0-3 with a 12.96 ERA in eight appearances. Merced, who broke in with the Pirates in 1990, hit .188 with three RBIs and no home runs. Both accepted the decisions with class, although Guthrie said he would try to catch on with another team while Merced was unsure about his options.

"I didn't give them much to look at, so that's all there is to it," Guthrie said from the parking lot outside of McKechnie Field. "I've said from the beginning I've never been a good spring pitcher, but that's no excuse. It just takes me a long time to get going. My last three springs have been pretty much like this, maybe not quite this bad.

"I'll talk to some other teams, see if I can get a decent position. If not, I'll shut it down and I'll let them tell me where I belong," Guthrie said. "It just didn't work out. That's part of the game. I don't feel like I'm done. Who's to say? All you can do is go out there and keep trying to see if it turns around."

Guthrie, 38, did some deep soul-searching after his final outing Friday. Although he considered hanging it up, he wanted one more chance to pitch. But that chance didn't come.

"If I decided on my own to stop like that when I wasn't really sure if I was done, I would always regret it. I made up my mind I was going to let somebody else tell me, and that's what happened," Guthrie said. "In fairness to the Pirates, I didn't give them anything to look at."

Merced wished the media well as he packed the trunk of his car, and he thanked the Pirates for giving him a shot.

"I have no excuse. I had to hit. I had to make the club. It didn't work out for me," Merced said.

"I don't think I hit well enough to convince them. I wish I would have given them a tougher option. It didn't work out that way. It takes a little longer for an older guy to get going. For some reason, I was not what they were looking for, and I respect that. I still have good memories about Pittsburgh. I wish them the best.

"It was going to be my last year. I was looking forward to do some damage off the bench in Pittsburgh. That's not an option for me anymore. Now I need to look forward. I'd like to keep playing. It might be a little too late to find a job somewhere. Hopefully, somebody out there will consider that I've done well off the bench."

Abad was getting a longer look as a left-handed bat off the bench, but his right wrist was sprained making a diving catch in a game against the Reds Thursday. A free agent who led the International League with 93 RBIs last year, Abad will report to Nashville with the hope of getting a call-up during the season.

Roberts, who pitched for the Orioles last year, also is expected to be insurance if the Pirates need a right-handed reliever during the season.

"It wouldn't surprise us at all to see him back up here at some point," Littlefield said.