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Tuesday, February 26, 2002

By Robert Dvorchak, Post-Gazette Sports Writer

BRADENTON, Fla. -- The biggest question mark for the Pirates this year is pitching, which also happens to be the biggest determining factor in their success or failure.

"Unfortunately for us, we don't have an opening-day starter etched in stone," pitching coach Spin Williams said. "We don't have five starters etched in stone. It's going to be a tough spring, evaluating what we have."

The process of evaluation begins today, when Bronson Arroyo starts an exhibition game against the Hyundai Unicorns, a Korean team that is training for the ninth year at Pirate City. He will throw an inning or two at most, followed by Josh Fogg, Mike Lincoln, John Grabow, Justin Reid, Mike Gonzalez, Brian Smith and Wayne Gomes.

Chris Spurling was slated to pitch, but a muscle in his right thigh was injured during a base-running drill yesterday.

"It's an evaluation process from here on out," Williams said. "I want to start playing games. It's time to go. I think our guys feel the same way. They're ready to start competing."

The Pirates have 32 pitchers competing for 11 or 12 spots. They hope to get each pitcher as much work as possible, but 32 pitchers in a camp is a bit much.

"Obviously, you can't hold this number for a real long time," Williams said.

David Williams is scheduled to start tomorrow against Manatee Community College, and Kip Wells will start Thursday in the Grapefruit League opener against the Tigers.

Making his lineup

Manager Lloyd McClendon's lineup for the game today will be weighted heavily toward younger players and those fighting for backup jobs.

It will have Tike Redman in center, Warren Morris at second, Mendy Lopez at short, Luis Polonia as the designated hitter, Craig Wilson at catcher, Chris Pritchett at first, Ryan Radmanovich in left and Sean Gilbert at third base.

McClendon is looking forward to the change of pace from the tedium of training drills.

"It'll be good to change things up a little bit. I'm sure the players are excited," he said. "You see the players' talent come out. After all the hard work in the off-season, they get to display what they're capable of doing. The level of excitement is certainly different."