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Tuesday, March 25, 2003

By Robert Dvorchak , Post-Gazette Sports Writer

DUNEDIN, Fla. -- With a week remaining to opening day, the Pirates are down to two roster decisions after pitcher Brian Meadows was optioned to Class AAA Nashville yesterday and three non-roster players were reassigned -- reliever Pat Mahomes and infielders Mike Gulan and David Doster.

	Pirates starter Josh Fogg earns the victory against the Toronto Blue Jays yesterday despite giving up six runs and 11 hits in five innings. (Kathy Willens, Associated Press)

Meadows was part of the starting rotation at the end of last season and came into camp competing for the fifth starter's spot. He was moved to the bullpen about a week ago.

"He didn't do anything to pitch himself out of it. He just got caught in the numbers," Manager Lloyd McClendon said. "The other guys had a better chance of helping us a little bit more."

Meadows will return to being a starter in the minors, providing insurance for the Pirates during the season.

"I guess I was the odd man out," Meadows said. "I'll just have to find a way back up. I've done it before. I guess I can do it again."

Gulan, who hit .355 with three home runs and six RBIs, hoped to raise some eyebrows in camp in case the Pirates need bench help during the season.

"I told Mac I'd see him again down the road," Gulan said.

With the moves, the Pirates have four pitchers vying for three bullpen spots and must make a decision on outfielder Adam Hyzdu. A staff meeting is scheduled tonight, and the 25-man roster could be set as early as Thursday.

Meanwhile, the Pirates put pitchers Mike Lincoln and Dave Williams on the 60-day disabled list. Lincoln won't be eligible to pitch until June 1, and the move is an indication his shoulder bruise is more serious than first believed.

An announcement on the sale of infielder Jose Fernandez to a Japanese team is expected today.

A welcome quandry

Three of the four relievers in the mix for a bullpen spot had scoreless outings in the Pirates' 9-6 win against the Blue Jays yesterday, but no commitments have been made.

Matt Herges and left-hander Dennys Reyes combined to throw three hitless innings, and Salomon Torres allowed one hit in getting the save. Julian Tavarez is also in the running as a long reliever and spot starter.

"It's a little nerve-wracking for the players, but it's good for the team. I'd rather have it this way," said Herges, who has the inside track for one spot. "I'm giving it all I have right now. The last thing I want to do is hold back. I'm not looking over my shoulder, but I know what the situation is."

The decision could come down to whether the Pirates want to keep Reyes as a third left-hander or whether the other three have shown they have better stuff.

"We have to make a decision soon. It's been very pleasing to see so many guys throw so well. I'm glad we have a very difficult decision," McClendon said.

Hit parade

Aramis Ramirez hit a three-run home run, his fifth homer of the spring, to lead a 16-hit attack.

Pokey Reese had three hits and scored three runs, and Kenny Lofton had two hits, scored twice and stole his first base of the spring. Brian Giles, Matt Stairs, Reggie Sanders and Randall Simon also had two hits apiece.

Simon, returning to the lineup after feeling a cramp in his left hamstring last week, has hit in 10 consecutive games and is 14 for 30 (.467) in that span.

Josh Fogg got the win despite giving up six runs on 11 hits in five innings.

Meanwhile, in an intrasquad game at Pirate City, Kip Wells allowed one hit in five innings. Joe Beimel, Brian Boehringer and Mike Williams also pitched to make up for Sunday's rainout.