The Pirates' owners, managing general partner Kevin McClatchy and chairman Bob Nutting, have yet to determine the payroll for 2007. But general manager Dave Littlefield yesterday expressed confidence that he would have enough to suit his needs.

"The final number hasn't come out at this point, but I feel very confident that we'll have plenty of dollars," Littlefield said. "We've had plenty of fan support this year, and I know Kevin and Bob are committed to investing that money in baseball operations for more resources to go in whatever direction we want, so that the product on the field keeps improving."

	MINOR-LEAGUE REPORT Sunday's results INDIANAPOLIS (73-63) lost at Columbus, 2-1. LHP Shane Youman (3-0, 4.46) had a no-hitter through seven innings but gave up a single on his first pitch of the eighth. He finished with a line of one run and two hits in 7 1/3 innings. He struck out three, walked one and threw 66 of 96 pitches for strikes. RHP Brian Rogers (1.08), who had not been scored upon in 7 2/3 innings since being acquired July 31, took the loss after allowing a home run in the bottom of the ninth. ALTOONA (73-59) won at Harrisburg, 4-2. LHP Josh Shortslef (5-1, 4.30) allowed one run in five innings. CF Andrew McCutchen (.327) went 1 for 3 with a double, a walk and a hit batsman. LYNCHBURG (58-74) beat Wilmington, 10-9, with six runs in the bottom of the ninth, including a three-run home run by 3B Vince Rooi (.249), his eighth, that ended it. RHP Luis Munoz (3-3, 4.20) allowed eight runs, six earned, in six-plus innings. HICKORY (64-68) lost at Greensboro, 9-8. RHP Dustin Craig (1-2, 4.17) allowed five runs, four earned, in 3 2/3 innings. 2B Shelby Ford (.265) went 2 for 5 with his sixth home run, a two-run shot, and a triple. WILLIAMSPORT (25-39) split a doubleheader at Batavia, losing, 4-3, and winning, 5-1. In the first game, LHP Charles Benoit (1-2, 4.08) allowed four runs in 4 2/3 innings. In the nightcap, RHP Nicolas Suero (1-4, 2.95) allowed one run in six innings. For the day, SS Angel Gonzalez (.282) went 4 for 7.

Littlefield reiterated his wish to acquire a left-handed power bat -- for right field or first base -- and a starting pitcher.

The Pirates' payroll opened this season at $47.9 million. The current active payroll, pared dramatically by recent trades, is at $30.9 million. Still, because of prorated portions of salaries already paid to departed players, the final payroll projects to be $44.6 million.

Littlefield on Sanchez

Littlefield confirmed that there have been no formal talks between the Pirates and third baseman Freddy Sanchez toward a multiyear contract, saying, "We haven't broached that subject, nor have we discussed it internally."

Of the possibility that such talks will occur after the season -- as indications are growing -- he added: "We'll see where it goes, but we're very pleased with what Freddy's done since we traded for him and that we have his rights for three more years, whether it's under a multiyear contract or not."

Gorzelanny shut down?

The Pirates will decide today if Tom Gorzelanny will be shut down for the season, and the outlook is not optimal.

Gorzelanny threw a bullpen session of 40-45 pitches yesterday and showed no sign of improvement with the stiff elbow that has caused him to miss his past two starts. Manager Jim Tracy's assessment of the session: "He threw OK."

Shortly thereafter, Tracy met in his office with Littlefield, pitching coach Jim Colborn and medical personnel to mull the next move. That, Tracy said, will come today based largely on how Gorzelanny is feeling.

Asked if a shutdown is possible, Tracy replied, "That's always an option."

There is another factor: Gorzelanny has pitched 145 1/3 innings, including his time with Class AAA Indianapolis, and his career high is 148 2/3, set in 2004. The team prefers to prevent young starters from topping their career high by 20 innings.

Gonzalez throws again

Closer Mike Gonzalez was held out of a third game because of what Tracy described for the first time as "dead arm," but his season is not thought to be in jeopardy.

Gonzalez had a light throwing session on flat ground before the game and expressed confidence he will return soon.

"I'm ready to go," he said. "Just needed a little time off."

Buried treasure

Shortstop Jack Wilson's inner-ear infection kept him out of a third game, although he showed progress and could be back soon.

The Pirates are known to have had three players clear waivers -- starter Shawn Chacon, outfielder Jeromy Burnitz and third baseman Joe Randa -- but Littlefield said there is "nothing imminent" regarding a trade by the Thursday deadline.

A 15-minute sprinkling of rain delayed the start of the game yesterday by an hour and two minutes.

The crowd of 19,459 left the Pirates 3,064 short of the record for a four-game series at PNC Park. The total wound up at 126,003.