The Pirates continue to sink deeper in the standings, but ownership has not changed its stance that it will wait until the 2007 schedule is complete to decide on the futures of general manager Dave Littlefield and manager Jim Tracy.

		Minor-league report Thursday's results INDIANAPOLIS (63-60) won at Durham, 9-1. RHP Bryan Bullington (11-6, 3.71) allowed one run and six hits in eight innings. He struck out six and walked two. RHP Jesse Chavez (4.17) pitched a scoreless inning of relief. 1B Steve Pearce (.385) hit his 30th and 31st home runs -- he has six with the Indians -- and went 3 for 5 with a double and six RBIs. SS Brian Bixler (.282) went 2 for 5. ALTOONA (64-57) lost at Binghamton, 7-3. RHP Luis Munoz (10-5, 4.09) allowed six runs in 4 1/3 innings. CF Andrew McCutchen (.258) went 1 for 4. 3B Neil Walker (.288) went 1 for 3 with a walk and two RBIs. LYNCHBURG (53-66) beat Myrtle Beach, 9-7. RHP Serguey Linares (4-6, 4.52) allowed two runs in five innings. DH Jose De Los Santos (.323) hit his first home run and went 4 for 4 with two RBIs. HICKORY (54-57) was off. STATE COLLEGE (26-27) lost at Williamsport, 4-2. RHP Brandon Williams (0-1, 2.22) allowed two runs in 4 1/3 innings. C Andrew Walker (.296) went 2 for 3 with two doubles, a walk and an RBI. BRADENTON (19-26) was off.

Principal owner Bob Nutting stated in a July 6 interview, "That's something that would be addressed after the season." And indications are strong, according to multiple sources, that his position is the same despite the team going 10-21 since the All-Star break.

But that, apparently, should not be taken as a sign of satisfaction.

Ownership is known to be disappointed by the Pirates' second-half free fall, and that undoubtedly does not bode well for Littlefield in particular, as he has been on the job since mid-2001. The team finished 67-95 each of the past two seasons and is on pace for that record again, this after Nutting, Littlefield and every level of management had expressed optimism about showing improvement.

Littlefield and Tracy each has a contract through the 2008 season.

For now, ownership's focus remains on the search for a CEO to replace Kevin McClatchy by season's end. And it could be that, once that hire is made, ownership will leave it up to the new CEO to decide on Littlefield and Tracy.

Wilson clears waivers

Shortstop Jack Wilson has cleared waivers, a bold sign that the Pirates' trade talks with Detroit are not dormant. All players on a 40-man roster must clear waivers to be dealt after the July 31 deadline.

Another sign: The Pirates have had a scout in Cleveland watching the Tigers-Indians series, including the Wednesday game when Jair Jurrjens -- a prospect mentioned in initial talks -- made a fine major-league debut by limiting Cleveland to four runs in seven innings.

The chance of Jurrjens, 21, still being part of a deal seems remote, as he is now on the Tigers' 40-man roster and is unlikely to clear waivers.

Wieters' bonus $6 million

The contract the Baltimore Orioles and their first-round draft pick, Georgia Tech catcher Matt Wieters, signed late Wednesday night stipulated a $6 million signing bonus and no major-league terms. That is the second-highest bonus in history, $100,000 less than the Arizona Diamondbacks gave Justin Upton two years ago.

When the Pirates bypassed Wieters at No. 4 overall because of concerns about his signability, they were under the impression he would demand close to $10 million and a major-league contract. Baltimore chose him at No. 5 after the Pirates took Clemson reliever Danny Moskos.

Buried treasure

John Grabow, the bullpen's best in recent weeks, was held out of the game last night because of minor stiffness. He should be available tonight.

Outfielder Xavier Nady did more running and looked more fluid than in previous sessions, but there remains no timetable for his return to the lineup.

Outfielder Nate McLouth was on the field several hours before the game, working with the coaching staff on his throws from center.

The Pirates announced no more signings of draft picks by the Wednesday midnight deadline, leaving their final tally at 27 signed out of 50.