ST. LOUIS -- Anytime the Pirates lose a game on poor fundamentals, it seems much of the public backlash in Pittsburgh is aimed at manager Jim Tracy's measured response.

The talk shows, e-mails to the editor and Web boards are filled with it ...

Why no anger?

MINOR-LEAGUE REPORT Monday's results INDIANAPOLIS (6-3) won at Norfolk, 5-2, in 11 innings. RF Chris Aguila (.167) broke a 2-2 tie in the 11th with a three-run home run, his first. RHP John Van Benschoten (0-1, 5.40) allowed one unearned runs and four hits in five innings. He struck out three, walked two and hit a batter. RHP Josh Sharpless (0.00) pitched two scoreless innings of relief with three strikeouts and a walk. RHP Franquelis Osoria (0.00) pitched a perfect 11th for his first save. C Ryan Doumit (.440) and CF Nyjer Morgan (.343) each went 2 for 5. ALTOONA (2-4) was rained out at Bowie. LYNCHBURG (3-3) was rained out at Frederick. HICKORY (5-4) and Lakewood were rained out.

Why not be more like Jim Leyland?

So, the question was put to Tracy yesterday in his Busch Stadium office: Why not, just once in a while, blow his top?

"What message are you sending to your players if you do something like that?" he replied.

But what about when the performance is as ugly as the one a week ago today, when a defensive miscue and dubious bunt cost the Pirates a 3-2 loss to the Cardinals at PNC Park?

"It's tough enough to lose a game like that," Tracy said. "But we're 10 games into the season. Ten games. That's all. Sometimes, the body language that you send to players can have a very, very negative effect on them. If you believe in your players and trust them and realize that games like that hurt the players as much as they do all of us ... water will seek its level. We'll get to where we want to be."

But he does get mad, right?

"Absolutely. Sometimes, I get very mad. But I don't often choose to let the whole world know how mad I am. I think that is an option, and you have a choice as to where you want to vent, how you want to vent and who it is exactly that you want to see when you are venting."

The players seem to appreciate Tracy's approach.

"Everybody knows their job here," shortstop Jack Wilson said. "When we don't do it, we don't need the manager to let us know that. We've all been in the big leagues. I think a manager can see in the player's eyes when the player is frustrated where he doesn't have to see it. He doesn't have to go around this locker room to tell everyone personally."

"Managers have different styles, and Trace is a little more quiet," starter Zach Duke said. "But when he's upset, you know he's upset."

That throw again

Still on the subject of those fundamentals last Tuesday ...

The feeling among some -- though not all -- in the Pirates' fold regarding Jason Bay's much-discussed throw to the wrong base was that Wilson was in proper cutoff position by being between Bay and third base.

Yes, even though men were at first and second and, with the Pirates protecting a two-run lead, the runner heading for third meant nothing.

Yes, even though the throw indisputably should have gone to second to keep the tying run out of scoring position.

The thinking: If Bay is unable to field the ball cleanly, with it having been driven deep to the left-field corner, the emphasis shifts to the runner at first taking more than one base. Hence, a cutoff man is needed for a play at third or at home.

Some might disagree, of course, on the basis that the towering shot looked sure to be a home run or an out, making a misplay unlikely.

And others, including broadcaster Bob Walk, would say it is immaterial.

"Who cares where Jack was? Doesn't matter," Walk said. "He could have run into the dugout, and that throw's still got to go to second."

Buried treasure

John Grabow, making his second Class AAA rehabilitation appearance with Indianapolis, pitched a scoreless eighth inning last night in Norfolk, Va. He allowed two hits, struck out one, got a double play and threw 9 of 14 pitches for strikes. Grabow will have one more outing tomorrow before the Pirates decide whether to recall him.

Duke will not have long to dwell on that two-inning implosion Friday: Keeping with Tracy's plan to have him pitch on a regular timetable regardless of the rotation, Duke is scheduled to start Thursday in Milwaukee.

Although Tony Armas will start Friday in Los Angeles, Tracy made him available for bullpen duty last night and today.