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Veteran reliever to vie for spot in spring competition

Tuesday, January 28, 2003

By Robert Dvorchak, Post-Gazette Sports Writer

Reliever Pat Mahomes signed a minor-league contract with the Pirates, who have roughed out their pitching chart for spring training even as they seek another experienced starting pitcher before the competition begins in 18 days.

One possible addition is free-agent right-hander Julian Tavarez, who was 10-12 with a 5.39 ERA in 27 starts and two relief appearances with the Marlins last season.

Tavarez, 29, has also pitched with the Cubs, Indians, Giants and Rockies. He also could be signed to a minor-league deal.

As it stands now, the rotation's depth chart includes Kris Benson, Kip Wells and Josh Fogg, with Brian Meadows and Salomon Torres solid contenders for the fourth and fifth spots.

Those who will be attempting to win a spot in the rotation during spring training are Jeff D'Amico, Rolando Arrojo and Dennys Reyes, all recently signed to minor-league contracts, along with Bronson Arroyo and Matt Guerrier.

The closer's job is in the hands of Mike Williams.

Left-handed relievers Scott Sauerbeck and Joe Beimel return from last season.

Newly acquired left-handers Matt Holtz and Mike Gonzalez are vying for a spot in the bullpen.

At the top of the right-handed relief chart are Brian Boehringer, Matt Herges and Mike Lincoln, who will be pushed by Duaner Sanchez, Al Reyes, John Wasdin, Jim Mann, Nelson Figueroa and Mahomes. Arrojo, Arroyo and Dennys Reyes are candidates for a bullpen spot if they don't win starting jobs.

Dave Williams and Ryan Vogelsong, two pitchers rebounding from surgeries, could be included in the mix for starting spots, depending on how they perform.

The Pirates, who had 11 pitchers vying for the five rotation spots last spring, likely will have 12 pitchers when they open the season in Cincinnati's new ballpark March 31.

Mahomes, 32, was 1-1 with a 3.86 ERA in 16 games with the Cubs last season and spent most of the year in Class AAA, going 4-5 with 14 saves and a 3.48 ERA.

In 299 major-league games, including 62 starts, Mahomes is 42-38 with a 5.29 ERA.

If he makes the roster, Mahomes would get a one-year deal at $400,000 with a chance to make $100,000 in bonus money.