Could the Pirates begin their 2008 season in the Far East?

Kevin McClatchy, their chief executive officer, is one of three team executives who are part of Major League Baseball's delegation touring China this week as part of an effort to grow the sport there. And Bob DuPuy, MLB's president and CEO, yesterday told reporters in Beijing that several teams could play spring training exhibitions there next year.

"I think there is an excellent chance we will have some games next spring, and there are lots of teams who are interested in coming," DuPuy said. "There is certainly no shortage of teams who are interested in being the first to play in China."

There also is a possibility that the teams playing in China could open their regular season with a series in Japan, according to a report on MLB.com.

The other team executives on the trip are San Diego Padres CEO Sandy Alderson and Boston Red Sox president Larry Lucchino.

A Pirates official said last night he was unaware of any plan to open the season in the Far East.