Friday, October 31, 2003

By Robert Dvorchak, Post-Gazette Sports Writer

Matt Stairs hoped to return and the Pirates hoped to have him back. But Stairs filed for free agency yesterday when he was offered less than the $900,000 he received this past season.

	Matt Stairs couldn't quite reach this foul ball off the bat of Houston's Craig Biggio. (Matt Freed, Post-Gazette)

"We weren't looking to break the bank, but we thought a raise was in order. They made an offer that was less," said Bob Garber, Stairs' agent. "It doesn't make any sense for us."

Stairs will explore the open market for other offers. While his agent said the possibility of him signing with the Pirates again is remote, general manager Dave Littlefield said he would stay in touch.

"We are looking for a left-handed power hitter to play some outfield and first base," Littlefield said.

However, he said any contract has to make financial sense for the team.

Stairs, who hit .292 last season, had 20 home runs and 57 RBIs in 305 at-bats after getting off to a slow start.

The two parties spoke Wednesday night. The decision to declare free agency prompted Littlefield to withdraw his last offer.

The Pirates also said they would not pick up the $5 million option for next year on second baseman Pokey Reese, who hit .215 in 37 games before a season-ending thumb injury.

Littlefield said the door isn't completely closed on reworking a deal with Reese, but that it is more likely the Pirates will fill the position internally or with a free agent.

The Pirates have had contact with Reggie Sanders, Julian Tavarez, Jeff Reboulet and Jeff Suppan about returning. Suppan was traded to the Red Sox, who declined to pick up his $4 million option for next season. He could come back under a completely new deal.

Home opener

The Pirates will open the regular season at home April 5 against the Phillies . The home schedule includes games against the Angels (June 15-17) and Mariners (June 18-20). The world champion Marlins are here July 16-18.

Medical updates

Littlefield gave the following medical updates:

Kris Benson, who missed more than half the season with a shoulder injury, is at 100 percent and should be at full strength when he resumes throwing in December.

Utility player Rob Mackowiak had knee surgery to ease some chronic irritation and is rehabbing in Florida. He is expected to be ready by spring.

Infielder Freddy Sanchez will have surgery this week to remove a bone spur in his right foot. He was diagnosed with ankle tendinitis after he was acquired from the Red Sox. Infielder Bobby Hill is rehabbing his sore back. Both are expected to be ready to compete for jobs in the spring.

Mark your calendar

Some upcoming dates:

Minicamp will be Jan. 13-18 in Bradenton; PirateFest will be at the new convention center Feb. 6-8; pitchers and catchers report Feb. 20 with the first workout the following day.

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