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Saturday, February 22, 2003

By Robert Dvorchak, Post-Gazette Sports Writer

BRADENTON, Fla. -- The results of a second test that monitors the heart were just what Randall Simon and the Pirates were hoping for, and the first baseman should be able to participate in full drills today.

No abnormalities were found in a test administered yesterday. The test was scheduled as a precaution because an irregularity was spotted in a test Thursday that monitors the electrical activity of the heart.

Simon was cleared to take part in limited activities yesterday. He played long toss and hit balls into a net in the indoor batting cages while working under the supervision of hitting coach Gerald Perry, but he did not take part in any aerobic work.

"It's always better to be safe than sorry," Manager Lloyd McClendon said.

Young Young OK

Walter Young, the minor-league system's player of the year last year, took part in his first full workouts yesterday. He was limited Thursday because his heart test showed an abnormality, but a stress test administered later in the day showed no cause for concern.

"My first day in the batting cages and I had to face Kris Benson. He was pretty nasty," said Young.

A prospect at first base, Young is attending his first big-league camp and is intent on learning as much as he can.

"I'm trying to soak up as much as possible. I'm doing a lot of listening and not too much talking," he said.

More 'B' games

There will be spirited competition for the fifth spot in the rotation, so the Pirates have scheduled four "B" games at Pirate City in order to make sure all the pitchers get in enough innings early in camp. All the games will be at 10 a.m.

They include a seven-inning game Thursday against the Hyundai Unicorns, a South Korean team that practices at the Pirates complex. Also on the schedule are nine-inning games March 4 against the Indians and March 9 against the Devil Rays, plus a seven-inning game March 5 against Duquesne University.

In exhibition games, the Pirates also have doubleheaders March 7 against the Reds and March 12 vs. the Devil Rays.

Lofton update

Patience was a trait that helped General Manager Dave Littlefield snag free-agent outfielder Reggie Sanders. Patience also is in play as he waits to see if Kenny Lofton can be signed as well.

"We have interest," Littlefield said. "With where we're at right now, we're still in the mode of trying to improve the team. If we think there are people out there that fit into our budget and can help improve the team, we're open-minded to seeing how it fits. I don't feel any pressing need as far as drop-dead date. Three weeks from now, that can change."