Two of the Pirates' four potential free agents this offseason, relievers Rick White and Brian Meadows, have informed management of their desire to remain in Pittsburgh.

White, 36, has played a prominent role in the bullpen as the right-handed setup man after making the team out of spring training. He and agent Dan Horwits approached Pirates general manager Dave Littlefield a month ago about securing an extension of one or two years.

They have not received a response, but White, who has a base salary of $475,000, seems optimistic.

"I want to come back here," he said. "I like the core of young guys, and I think we're going to get better. I'm tired of moving around, too. I want to finish my career here. Hopefully, we can get something worked out."

Meadows, 29, might not have as solid a chance to return. In his fourth season with the Pirates, his 4.66 earned run average is markedly higher than White's 3.63, and he was not used in nearly as many critical situations. Also, his salary of $1,125,000 could make his price for next year more than the Pirates want to pay for a middle reliever.

He, too, is represented by Horwits and has directed his agent to try to work out a deal to stay.

"I'm comfortable here, and I'd like to come back," Meadows said. "That's out of my hands, but I've told a lot of people I like it here."

Although the Pirates are in a full-fledged youth movement, management has made known it plans to have some veteran component, in part to support the less experienced players.

White, one of the team's leaders all summer, says he relishes the role.

"I came up with a bunch of veterans, and I got to see how things were done, how they reacted to good and bad days," he said. "I like helping these guys. And I try to make sure they don't get too out of line, too carried away and start doing the wrong things. But the main thing is I've played for some winning teams. I know what it takes to get there."

The Pirates have a $4 million option on closer Jose Mesa, but they are certain to exercise a $500,000 buyout and cut him loose. The only position player bound for free agency is first baseman Daryle Ward, and neither he nor the team is planning his return.

North Side notches

Two minor-league players the Pirates removed from their 40-man roster last week and designated for assignment, pitcher Cory Stewart and outfielder Ray Sadler, cleared waivers. Stewart was released, and Sadler was outrighted to Class AAA Indianapolis.

Zach Duke will not have a pitch limit in his start this afternoon, interim manager Pete Mackanin said. In his most recent outing, the Pirates pulled him after 74 pitches, one less than the team-mandated limit, because he missed the previous three weeks to a sprained ankle.

Tom Gorzelanny, who showed promise in his 4¹/₃-inning start Tuesday, will spend the rest of the season in the bullpen, Mackanin said. He will not be available to pitch until tomorrow in Los Angeles.