One of new outfielder Jason Michaels' traits that the Pirates seem to like quite a bit is his character.

And they feel that way, team president Frank Coonelly said yesterday, despite an incident three years ago in which Michaels was arrested in Philadelphia for assaulting a police officer.

"While we strongly believe that having high-character individuals at all levels of the organization is critical to our success, we also understand that people make mistakes," Coonelly said. "We were convinced in this case that Jason would be both a good influence in the clubhouse and a respected member of our community."

Michaels, 29 at the time, was accused of punching the police officer July 3, 2005, outside a nightclub, then wrestling him to the ground and tearing his shirt before several other officers subdued him. There were no significant injuries.

He was placed in a six-month community service program for first-time offenders and, by the following January, the charges were dropped.

Coonelly and general manager Neal Huntington each was aware of the incident. Coonelly dealt with the Philadelphia Phillies, Michaels' employer at the time, while working for the commissioner's office. And Huntington knew of the feelings of the Cleveland Indians, Michaels' employer the past year-plus, from his time there.

Moreover, Coonelly and Huntington consulted with bench coach Gary Varsho, who spent time in the Philadelphia and Cleveland organizations.

"We considered the matter but were very comfortable that this was an isolated incident that is not indicative of Jason's character," Coonelly said.

Michaels flew into Pittsburgh yesterday, in plenty of time for his first game with the Pirates.

Twice a .300-plus hitter in his six-year career, he was asked about that .207 average that prompted Cleveland to remove him from the 40-man roster earlier in the week.

"I was just putting too much pressure on myself to try to get off to a good start," Michaels said. "I think everybody does it, and doing that to myself probably made me worse. But I'm here now.

"It's a new team, a new league, and I'm looking forward to getting going."

He seemed to grasp, though, that he will not play much with the Pirates having Major League Baseball's most productive outfield.

"Hopefully, I can be there when they need a day off," Michaels said. "Otherwise, they'll be great to watch."

With Nyjer Morgan now at Class AAA Indianapolis, there appears to be quite the outfield glut, including top prospects Andrew McCutchen and Steve Pearce, as well as .344-hitting Kevin Thompson. And never mind Craig Wilson, who can play outfield as well as first base.

The organization's plan, director of player development Kyle Stark said, is that McCutchen will remain in center and Pearce in right. Morgan and Thompson will play as often as possible, either in left or spelling McCutchen and Pearce.

Wilson will play first and be a designated hitter, as he has done mostly since his signing last month.

• Tom Gorzelanny's back is "pain-free," manager John Russell said, going into his start tonight. Gorzelanny's lower back was strained April 30, prompting the team to skip his turn in the rotation.

• Marino Salas, one of two relievers Huntington acquired in the Salomon Torres trade, was named Indianapolis' player of the month for April. After pitching coach Ray Searage made major adjustments to his mechanics after a wobbly spring, Salas, 26, had a 0.51 ERA in 10 appearances with 17 strikeouts in as many innings.

• A dozen U.S. Navy Seals parachuted into the PNC Park outfield before the game, drawing a standing ovation from the crowd as well as a spontaneous show of appreciation from Atlanta outfielder Jeff Francouer and several of his Braves teammates, who rushed out to shake their hands.