BRADENTON, Fla. - Pirates shortstop Jack Wilson and second baseman Jose Castillo met at McKechnie Field this morning to discuss Wilson's public criticism of Castillo last month.

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Neither spoke after the meeting, but each said beforehand they expect no problems this spring training or into the season.

"I'm sure everything's going to be fine," Wilson said.

"No problem," Castillo said.

Castillo reported early in the morning, met briefly with manager Jim Tracy at McKechnie, then went to Pirate City to participate in a 90-minute workout. Castillo's fielding took up most of that time, and his much leaner frame - he said he lost 10 pounds since last season, but it appeared to be more - showed in his mobility.

He said the weight loss was the result not only of 49 games played in the Venezuelan winter league but also a steady training regimen.

"I feel good right now, different than last year," Castillo said.

He sounded numb to any criticism he heard or read during the off-season, including the Jan. 26 remarks from Wilson that Castillo was not in good physical shape or mentally prepared for games last season.

"I don't care what guys say," Castillo said. "I'm coming here ready to play, with my bat, my glove, everything."

Manager Jim Tracy sounded pleased with Castillo's shape and attitude after meeting with him earlier in the morning than Wilson did.

"I hope that this level of dedication represents exactly who's shown up," Tracy said. "If you look at our team and the success we had in the second half, there's a feeling here that this is real. And, as a result, there's an expectation that your 'A' game has to show up."

After the two-hour workout today, the Pirates' pitchers and catchers were surprised by a visit from noted basketball commentator Dick Vitale. He addressed the group for about 20 minutes and drew a loud round of cheers and applause when finished.

Vitale visited on his own. He lives just down the road from Pirate City in Sarasota, Fla., and is a baseball fan who often makes such spontaneous stops.

Starter Tony Armas Jr., delayed four days by visa problems, was among the pitchers making bullpen sessions.

More details in tomorrow's Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.