The game: Zach Duke pitched four innings, allowing five hits and two runs, in the Pirates' 4-1 loss to Toronto.

Duke, who yielded a home run to Vernon Wells on a 1-2 pitch in the fourth inning, threw 66 pitches, 44 of them strikes.

"I really like the way he's throwing his sinker," manager John Russell said. "That's a big pitch for him."

Duke got seven ground-ball outs.

"My sinker's doing what it's supposed to be doing," he said. "I feel like I'm in a better rhythm. The quality of my pitches is better. And I'm more comfortable."

Matt Capps zipped through a 1-2-3 fifth inning. He has retired the past 10 batters he has faced. Sean Burnett followed Capps with a 1-2-3 sixth inning. He has retired his past nine batters as he tries to secure a bullpen job.

Camp roster: The Pirates have 50 players in camp, including 26 pitchers, 4 catchers, 12 infielders and 8 outfielders.

Battle lines: Nate McLouth, competing for the regular center field job with Nyjer Morgan, had three hits, including a run-scoring double in the third inning. McLouth has five hits in his past five at-bats, including four doubles.

Business at hand: The Pirates continue to discuss a long-term contract for Ian Snell with his agent, Joe Sroba, but chances of a deal getting done appear slim.

Fun in the sun: Paul Maholm conceded he doesn't have much of a scouting report on how to pitch to actor Billy Crystal.

However, the Pirates left-hander does know this.

"It's kind of a no-win situation," Maholm said. "If he hits the ball, I'll have to wear it forever. People will say, 'You can't even throw it by a 60-year-old guy.' I might have to quit."

But what if Crystal swings and misses?

"He's supposed to," Maholm said.

Crystal, who turns 60 tomorrow, has signed a minor-league contract with the New York Yankees and is scheduled to play for the Yankees today.

"You've got to have fun with it," Maholm said. "But then you have to go right back to pitching [to regular Yankees]."

Might Maholm throw a pitch high and inside to Crystal? "I think he might have to see how it really is," Maholm said, joking.

It isn't clear in what capacity or for how long Crystal will play today. Russell, though, is supposed to hear from Yankees manager Joe Girardi at some point about how the Crystal situation will be handled. It's probable Crystal will be a designated hitter.

"I think it's great," Russell said. "The guy's always been a baseball fan. He's a great ambassador for the game. He has a great passion for the game. It's kind of neat."

..........Pirates general manager Neal Huntington apparently is on board with Crystal playing, too. "The Yankees asked us if we'd mind if he played, and we said, 'We're OK with this.' "

Today: In case you missed it, the Pirates play the New York Yankees in Tampa. Donald Trump is scheduled to start for the Yankees, but if he's unable to pitch, Mike Mussina will replace him. Among those scheduled to pitch for the Pirates today are right-hander Byung-Hyun Kim, who will make his second spring appearance.

"I think he has the flexibility to get [one] right-handed hitter out and the flexibility to pitch two innings [in a game] depending on how [Russell] wants to use him," pitching coach Jeff Andrews said.

Countdown to Atlanta: 18