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One of five pitchers cut as team trims training-camp roster to 39

Tuesday, March 18, 2003

By Robert Dvorchak, Post-Gazette Sports Writer

BRADENTON, Fla. -- The Pirates reduced their training-camp roster to 39 yesterday by cutting five pitchers. Right-hander Ryan Vogelsong was optioned to Class AAA Nashville. Left-hander Mike Holtz and right-handers Mark Corey, Ariel Prieto and John Wasdin, all nonroster invitees, were reassigned to minor-league camp.

Vogelsong, who was visibly disappointed, is 18 months removed from reconstructive elbow surgery and had an minor-league option left.

"He is making good progress but, frankly, not to the extent of being ready to pitch as one of our five starters," General Manager Dave Littlefield said.

"I would hate to see a guy leaving here laughing and smiling," Manager Lloyd McClendon said. "The fact is, he's not one of our best five starters. We made that very clear to him. He needs to go down and pitch and perform."

Sanchez loses

Duaner Sanchez gave up his first runs of the spring on a two-run home run by Shane Andrews in the eighth inning, and it wound up costing the Pirates yesterday in a 5-4 loss the Minnesota Twins. Sanchez got only one out and was the losing pitcher.

The Pirates jumped out to a 3-0 lead against Twins starter Joe Mays, who gave up a sacrifice fly to Brian Giles and a two-run home run to Rob Mackowiak. Jason Kendall, who was 3 for 3 with two runs scored and is hitting .443 for the spring, hit a solo home run in the bottom of the fifth.

Breaking it in

An elbow injury denied Kris Benson the chance to pitch the inaugural game at PNC Park two years ago, so he was elated to be named the opening-day starter at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati March 31.

"I finally get my opportunity, so I have to make the most of it. I'm super-thrilled about finally getting the nod," Benson said. "I get really pumped up for any start. This will definitely be more than normal. It's definitely been a long time in the making."

Reyes behind

Although the Pirates are off today, left-handed reliever Dennys Reyes will throw in the bullpen and hopes to pitch in a game tomorrow. Reyes has been hampered by leg and head injuries.

"He certainly put himself behind the eight ball," McClendon said. "That's not to say we won't give him an opportunity to make up ground. But it is what it is. I'm not going to take three lefties just to have three lefties. I'm going to take the guys who give us the best chance to win."

Quick hits

Kenny Lofton played against minor-leaguers yesterday, leading off every inning to get a maximum number of at-bats to get ready to join the Pirates for spring training games. ... The Pirates will award championship rings today to members of the Hickory and Lynchburg teams who won their league championships last season.