Peter Diana, Post-Gazette The Pirates' Sean Burnett pitches in live batting practice at Pirate City in Bradenton, Fla. Burnett threw in his second session against live hitters after surgery on his left arm. Click photo for larger image.

BRADENTON, Fla. -- Sean Burnett released the pitch, and Sean Casey lunged awkwardly to place a piece of his bat on it. The result was a quiet grounder to short and a loud, disgusted grunt from the big guy in the box.

"Burny, was that a changeup?" Casey asked.

When Burnett nodded, Casey replied, "That's awesome, man."

The reviews on Burnett's recovery from two surgeries on his left arm have been similarly positive throughout the early stage of the Pirates' spring training. More important by far, though, he has been able to participate in every aspect of camp as scheduled.

Yesterday, Burnett had his second session against live hitters -- Casey, Joe Randa, Chris Duffy and Nate McLouth -- and again fared well. He made 44 pitches, most of which appeared to go right to catcher Carlos Maldonado's glove. Eleven of those were put in play, but only five solidly.

"I took a lot of pride in making sure I'm ready to start the season, to prove I'm healthy, to prove I can play again," Burnett said. "It seems like it's paying off so far. Every time I throw, I'm feeling stronger. And my control has been good since day one."

Burnett has shown zip on the fastball and decent -- though not spectacular -- command on his off-speed pitches.

"I've been in the area. It might not be pinpoint yet, but it's early in camp and I'm hitting my spots, for the most part."

Best of all, Burnett says, is how he feels on the critical day after each round, when soreness or fatigue can send up red flags.

"Nothing at all."

Arm surgeries tend not to have seamless recoveries, which undoubtedly is why the Pirates tread lightly in discussing Burnett. General manager Dave Littlefield has stated repeatedly Burnett most likely to open the season with Class AAA Indianapolis, then join the Pirates in June.

Still, Littlefield mentioned Burnett's name yesterday among the possibilities to fill out the rotation coming out of spring training.

"Certainly, we're well aware of Burnett's position," Littlefield said. "We'll see how he finishes spring training. He hasn't faced live competition at this point."

Game added today

The Pirates will see their first action today with an intrasquad game at 12:30 p.m. at McKechnie Field, an event announced yesterday.

Manager Jim Tracy said he was eager for a chance to see some of the youngsters in a competitive setting before the exhibition season opens.

"It's really special thing for me," Tracy said. "I want to see what they can do."

The pitchers will be reliever John Grabow and five minor-league tryouts: Marty McLeary, Britt Reames, Nerio Rodriguez, Matt Whiteside and C.J. Nitkowski.

Buried treasure

Oliver Perez will start the Pirates' exhibition tomorrow against Manatee Community College. Also pitching will be Salomon Torres, Damaso Marte, Jorge Vasquez, Jonah Bayliss and Matt Capps.

Nine pitchers, including Perez, worked off mounds yesterday as part of the three-hour workout. Of those, three besides Burnett threw to hitters: Ian Snell, Mike Johnston and Marte.

The focus was rundowns. Third base coach Jeff Cox, also the baserunning instructor, conducted a lively session on the subject. One of the drills assumed bases were loaded and all three runners were hung up.

Reliever Giovanni Carrara was excused for the day because of the flu.