It is possible that, when Baltimore recently named former Pirates minor-league manager Dave Trembley, who was the interim manager, as its manager for next year, the Orioles might have helped former Pirates interim manager Pete Mackanin become Cincinnati's next manager.

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Minor-League Report

Tuesday's results

• Indianapolis (68-69) lost to Columbus, 5-3. LHP Michael Tejera (8-5, 3.96) allowed three runs and four hits in six innings. 1B Steve Pearce (.355) went 2 for 4 with a triple. CF Andrew McCutchen (.286) went 1 for 3 with a sacrifice fly. 3B Neil Walker (.175) went 1 for 3 with a double. LF Nyjer Morgan (.316) went 2 for 5 with a steal.
• Altoona (69-64) beat Reading, 4-2. LHP Josh Shortslef (5-12, 4.21) allowed one run in six innings. RHP Matt Peterson (2.02) recorded his 27th save with a perfect ninth.
• Lynchburg (54-77) lost at Potomac, 8-4. RHP Serguey Linares (7-7, 4.70) allowed five runs in four innings. RF Jamie Romak (.255) went 1 for 4.
• Hickory (65-66) beat Asheville, 2-0. LHP Tony Watson (1-1, 4.50) pitched six scoreless innings and allowed four hits. He struck out eight and walked none. RF Jonel Pacheco (.311) hit his 26th home run and went 2 for 3 with a triple and a walk.
• State College (32-33) beat Batavia, 6-4. RHP Nic Suero (3-4, 3.34) allowed four runs in 6 1/3 innings. 1B Justin Byler (.330) hit his eighth home run and went 3 for 4.

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"I don't think it hurts," Mackanin said of Trembley's achievement.

What also does not hurt his chances is that the Reds were 29-19 under Mackanin before the doubleheader against the Pirates last night.

"I just hope they judge me on what I'm doing," Mackanin said.

He was the Pirates' interim manager for 26 games in 2005 after manager Lloyd McClendon was fired and went 12-14. But he never had a real chance at getting the job because Jim Tracy was a lock to succeed McClendon.

Mackanin has a much better chance to become the Reds' manager.

"I'd like to think I have a good shot. I wouldn't want [management] to have a knee-jerk reaction. I don't want the job on a whim or because we got hot for a week or two. I'd prefer they take a long look at it and make the right decision for them."

Pearce impressive

First baseman/right fielder Steve Pearce has made quite an impression on Indianapolis manager Trent Jewett.

"I really like him," Jewett said. "I like his approach at the plate, his ability to produce runs. He's a confident guy who enjoys the game. And I really like the bat."

What's not to like about that? Through Monday, Pearce had a .349 batting average in 106 at-bats with Indianapolis. For the season, which includes stints at high Class A Lynchburg and Class AA Altoona, Pearce had a .340 batting average in 471 at-bats, 40 doubles, 3 triples, 31 home runs, 113 RBIs and 93 runs scored.

Jewett has no problems with Pearce defensively at first base.

"His hands are good," Jewett said. "His feet are quick. His throws are accurate. There's some polish to put on it, but his defense is very acceptable."

How about right field?

"There haven't been any glaring issues in right field," he said.

Jewett has had less of a look at center fielder Andrew McCutchen and third baseman Neil Walker, who joined the Indians two weeks ago. "I don't think in this early stage you can read anything into the stats offensively."

Walker through Monday was at .162 after 37 at-bats. McCutchen is hitting .283 after 46 at-bats.

"He's trying to 'feel' his way into the league," Jewett said of Walker.

As for McCutchen: "I really like his focus and his ability to retain information and put it into his game. He's very talented -- and he has the desire to maximize that talent."

Buried treasure

It will be at least another day before the Pirates know if reliever Salomon Torres will pitch for them again this season. Torres had an arthrogram Monday, which revealed no structural damage to his right elbow. He was to be examined further, however, by Dr. Patrick DeMeo, the team's medical director, yesterday.

Zach Duke, on the disabled list with left elbow tendinitis, will be at PNC Park today to throw a bullpen session. He is scheduled to make a rehabilitation start for Class AAA Indianapolis Saturday and could rejoin the Pirates' rotation next week.

Shortstop Brian Bixler, almost sure to join the Pirates next week, was named to the International League postseason All-Star team yesterday.

Lynchburg center fielder Pedro Powell has become the second player to lead the Carolina League in stolen bases in consecutive seasons. Jack Mitchell, who never played in the majors, led the league in 1952-53. Powell stole two bases Monday, giving him 66. He leads the league, whose regular season ends Monday, by 30 stolen bases. He stole 63 last season.