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Monday, February 25, 2002

By Robert Dvorchak, Post-Gazette Sports Writer

BRADENTON, Fla. -- One of the charms of spring training is how close fans can get to the players in a laid-back, informal atmosphere. But baseball is not immune from the realities of terrorism.

Under a directive from Major League Baseball, the Pirates have implemented new security measures, including searches and restrictions on containers that can be brought into McKechnie Field.

"Fans, staff and players welcome and expect these changes as a reality of the times," said Mike Kennedy, the Pirates director of Florida baseball operations. "There will be a noticeable difference at the gates."

In a policy in effect at PNC Park, no bag or container larger than 9 inches high, wide and long can be brought into the ballpark and all bags are subject to search by police at the gates and other security staff.

There also will be pregame sweeps of nearby parking lots and pregame security inspections, along with a closer monitoring of interaction between fans and players.

The enhanced security extends to areas behind the scenes. Because of concerns about anthrax and other threats, the Pirates will follow baseball's recommendations governing suspicious looking mail.

Early exit

Catcher Darron Cox, in camp as a nonroster invitee, retired yesterday after a workout, leaving the Pirates with 62 players in camp. Cox, 34, played for Class AAA Colorado Springs last year in the Rockies' minor-league system.

No second thoughts

Jason Kendall was taking balls at second base during infield drills yesterday -- but it had nothing to do with a position switch.

Wearing his catcher's mitt, Kendall fielded relay throws at second base in a drill designed to improve his footwork and help him get the ball out of his glove faster on steal attempts. He worked through the drills with Mike LaValliere.

"It's to get his feet in the proper position transferring to the ball. He'll be doing that four or five times a week," Manager Lloyd McClendon said.

Getting out

After two days of rains that dampened the five playing fields at Pirate City, infielders and outfielders practiced yesterday at McKechnie Field.

The Pirates have their final workouts today before they play exhibition games with a Korean team and Manatee Community College. The first Grapefruit League game is Thursday against the Tigers in Lakeland.

"It's going to be good to give up the monotonous routine and start playing games," McClendon said.

He said it would be misleading to evaluate players' performances in the early games.

"I think it's going to take a little while before the hitters catch up with the pitchers. We don't want to over-evaluate early. People are just not as sharp early as they will be late," he said. "Players solidify their position or they eliminate themselves. That's the nature of spring training."