Robin Rombach, Post-Gazette Dave Williams: A torn labrum in his pitching shoulder cost him nearly two major-league seasons after going on the DL in May 2002. Click photo for larger image. Rest of the surgical rotation Bobby Bradley: Missed most of 2001 and all of '02 Sean Burnett: Went on DL in August and will miss 2005 Kris Benson: Missed all of 2001 and part of '02 John Van Benschoten: Shoulder surgery will shelve him in '05 PIRATEFEST FACTS What: Final day of 15th annual PirateFest When: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. today Where: David L. Lawrence Convention Center Tickets: $10 adults, $6 children 12-under

When John Van Benschoten had surgery, he joined Sean Burnett on the list of pitchers who were a product of the Pirates' minor-league system and needed arm operations. Kris Benson was another. Bobby Bradley, too. And Dave Williams.

It would appear to be enough to mount the case that something is amiss on a wide scale.

For that to be proven, though, two elements first would have to be established decisively. One, that there is some common thread. Two, that the Pirates have more pitching injuries than other teams.

Taking the latter count first, there is evidence to suggest that the Pirates are, in fact, unusual when compared to other teams. Just not the way one might guess.

American Specialty, an insurance company based in Roanoke, Ind., is the official outfit used by Major League Baseball to conduct a thorough accounting of injuries. It measures the impact on disabled lists and gives additional weight to season-ending or career-ending injuries, and it includes every player in the system down to rookie ball. It is the industry's most comprehensive study of such matters.

In the most recent survey, released after the 2003 season, the Pirates had the fifth-best rating for keeping their pitchers healthy in the five-year span leading up to it.

Yes, fifth-best.

They might drop once the Van Benschoten and Burnett injures are weighed, but it likely would not be a dramatic drop.

As for any linkage between the Pirates' injuries, that is open to interpretation.

Van Benschoten and Williams had similar shoulder injuries. Burnett, Benson and Bradley had similar elbow injuries. It is possible that the Pirates' techniques or training methods are insufficient or ineffective. It is virtually impossible to prove they are not.

But both injuries are common in baseball, and opinions vary greatly as to how best to avoid them.

"We have a reputation as being very careful with our pitchers," said Brian Graham, the Pirates' minor-league director. "We monitor everything, from pitch counts to number of games pitched in a year. We also keep up with the latest exercises, routines, strength and conditioning, you name it. Unfortunately, these injuries occur."

But he acknowledged that there is an opposite approach.

"We also get accused of being maybe too careful. The old-timers, especially, will tell you that the best way to build up resistance to injury is to let the pitcher go all nine innings, the way it used to be. Not me. I'd rather be safe than sorry."

The Pirates will enter spring training with Van Benschoten and Burnett out for the year and Kip Wells uncertain because of an elbow issue. Two prospects, Paul Maholm and Jeff Miller, are behind on throwing programs. Maholm is coming off facial surgery after he was struck by a line drive last season. Miller has had elbow discomfort.

Small ball

The Chicago Cubs' trading Sammy Sosa, once approved, is certain to hurt the Pirates' bid to sign free-agent outfielder Jeromy Burnitz. The Cubs would have a gaping hole to fill in right field and have far more financial resources than the Pirates.

While general manager Dave Littlefield's search for a power bat is focused on outfielder Burnitz, his other wish for an accomplished starter might be more challenging to fulfill through free agency. The list of available starters who are healthy and had 10 or more starts in the majors last season is down to Darren Oliver and Todd Van Poppel. Oliver, a left-hander, went 3-3 with a 5.94 earned run average for the Colorado Rockies. Van Poppel, a right-hander and former Pirate, went 4-6 with a 6.09 ERA for the Cincinnati Reds.

Right-hander Ryan Vogelsong threw off a mound Wednesday for the first time since he felt shoulder fatigue after a stint in the Venezuelan winter league. He pronounced himself 100 percent.

Burnett has thrown indoor sessions for two weeks at PNC Park without incident.

The Pirates' Winter Caravan begins its second swing tomorrow with stops in Washington, Pa., and New Castle. It is in Beaver Falls Tuesday; Butler and Steubenville, Ohio, Wednesday; and Morgantown, W.Va., and Uniontown Thursday. Players on the trip will be Jason Bay, Craig Wilson and Mike Gonzalez.

Fans might not be able to recognize Wilson, whose long blond mane has been replaced by hair so short it almost qualifies as a clean shave. He is adamant that he will not let it grow, explaining that he "just wanted to try something new."

Eighteen days until pitchers and catchers report.