The story on Doug Mientkiewicz was the most impressive out of a Pirates camp that I can recall ("Mientkiewicz lights some fires," Feb. 18). He represents something that has been missing for a long time -- a never-quit attitude and a desire to excel. Reportedly, his chances of making the team are limited because he doesn't fit their on-field needs. But if what I hear from him is any indication, he can help the team just by sitting on the bench. His inspiration and mentoring can be a valuable asset.

BILL SCHWARTZ
Scott Township

I have an idea that will bring excitement back to the [Pirates] and put fans in the seats: sign Barry Bonds. There's no reason not to. The Pirates have nothing to lose in signing the current home run king.

We have all suffered through 15 consecutive losing seasons and in our last winning season, 1992, Bonds was in left field. Obviously, he has lost a lot of energy and athleticism since then. But he still sells tickets.

The Giants sold above the National Leagues average each of the past four seasons while failing to make the playoffs -- most of those ticket sales credited to Bonds.

Whether it's people coming to the park to jeer and torment him or people coming to watch him belt batting practice fastballs into the Allegheny, Bonds will sell tickets and maybe, just maybe, the Pirates will win a few more games.

LARKIN HOGEL
Mt. Lebanon

Chuck Finder's article ("Pushed away," Jan. 20) fails to connect the dots to the simplest explanation [as to why Calvin Magee was not considered to succeed Rich Rodriguez as head coach at West Virginia] : He simply chose to follow Rodriguez to Michigan. Painting West Virginia University or the athletic department as racist in this decision smacks a bit as irresponsible and neurotic.

It doesn't take the public long to capitalize on age-old stereotypes about the state. West Virginia boasts many great high-ranking African-American administrators in the highest vice president and dean roles throughout the college.

Clearly there is a lack of strategic plan (read: Rooney Rule) in college coaching and minority coaches are far underrepresented. WVU may have rushed its coaching hire in excited moments after a great bowl win. This is not a defense of their handling of the search. What lead Magee to rush so quickly to Ann Arbor with Rodriguez seems a matter of speculation and debate, not of fact.

Often the simplest explanation is the best one. Magee went with Rodriguez; therefore he wasn't considered. If I, as Mr. Finder does in his article, want to read into all of this so much, I would wonder why Rodriguez's agent suddenly represents Magee and is quoted so many times in this pointed attack at WVU [even as] recruiting and Mr. Rodriguez's legal battle with the school [were going on]. I would wonder why the Post Gazette has covered rumors at WVU lately with so much fervor in comparison to countless dark incidents at home schools Pitt and Penn State. But I will not continue to wonder or speculate. Often the simplest explanation is the best one.

JOHN WALTZ
Jefferson Hills

Regarding an article in which Rich Rodriguez stated that the lies and threats on his family needed to cease ("Rodriguez says ..." Jan. 18), I agree that no one wins with that childish behavior. But where does he come off telling the West Virginia fans that they attack his integrity and honesty. .

He lost them, along with respect, when he ran off to Michigan in the middle of the night before one of the most important games in West Virginia sports history.

SHIRLEY LANDER
Bethel Park