LAS VEGAS -- The Pirates have had discussions with free-agent infielder David Eckstein, agent Ryan Gliechowski confirmed this afternoon. \

Eckstein, 33, batted .265 with two home runs and 27 RBIs this past season, which he split between the Toronto Blue Jays and Arizona Diamondbacks. Long noted for his diminutive stature -- 5 feet 7, 175 pounds -- he played for two championship teams, the 2002 Anaheim Angels and 2006 St. Louis Cardinals. He was World Series MVP for the latter.

The Pirates also today announced their spring training schedule, one that consists of a franchise-record 35 games, extended because of the World Baseball Classic.

It opens Feb. 25 with a game against the visiting Philadelphia Phillies at McKechnie Field in Bradenton, Fla., and concludes April 4 with a game against the Minnesota Twins in Fort Myers. The traditional opener against Manatee Community College has been relegated to a B-game April 2 at McKechnie.

There also will be:

• A March 3 exhibition against the Netherlands national team competing in the Classic.

• Two night games, March 16 against the Toronto Blue Jays and March 27 against the Tampa Bay Rays.

• Two visits from the Boston Red Sox (March 9 and April 1) and one from the New York Yankees (March 14).

Check PBC Blog for details.