BRADENTON, Fla. -- Ian Snell did not participate in his only scheduled bullpen session of the Pirates' minicamp this morning, but all concerned adamantly insisted there is no health issue.

"I'm fine," Snell said with a wide smile after the team's workout. "Great, actually."

Manager John Russell said Snell simply is "working at his pace" to be ready for spring training.

"This is where Ian's program is," Russell said. "He's right on his schedule."

Snell had been listed as one of six scheduled participants today, the final day of bullpen sessions, but he stayed in the background as the other five -- John Van Benschoten, Ty Taubenheim, Marino Salas, Evan Meek and Adam Bernero -- each threw the standard 20 or so pitches.

Snell, like so many of his teammates in the fold at Pirate City, reported in superior shape. His weight remains 189 pounds, but he has spent much of the past few weeks in a rigid conditioning program that has given him a more sculpted appearance.

"I'm always trying to get better," he said. "And that's where my focus is now, on 2008, and being the best pitcher I can be."

Minicamp concludes tomorrow with conditioning drills.