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Friday, July 13, 2001

Compiled by Robert Dvorchak

Royals vs. Pirates, 7:05 p.m., PNC Park. TV: Fox Sports Net Pittsburgh. Radio: KDKA-AM (1020) and Pirates Radio Network. Chad Durbin (6-8) starts for the Royals, Todd Ritchie (5-9) for the Pirates.

The Pirates got a jump on the season's second half with a workout six hours before the game yesterday. Drills included everything from taking ground balls and fly balls to running and hitting. Manager Lloyd McClendon addressed the full squad with a brief informal talk, saying: "What you did in the first half is behind you. If you did good, be happy with it. If you did bad, there's nothing you can do about it. We have to move on, start fresh, start anew." McClendon described the workout as "spirited," and reiterated that he's excited to be back after the All-Star break. "I can't wait to get started again."

Several pitchers got an even earlier jump, throwing on the side Wednesday at PNC Park to keep up their routines on an off day. Among them were Todd Ritchie, who will start tonight, Dave Williams and Joe Beimel, plus relievers Mike Williams and Mike Lincoln. In the second-half rotation, Jason Schmidt was backed off three days to give his arm a few extra days of rest. Schmidt said he was starting to experience a "dead arm," in which he was throwing hard but his velocity was dropping off. Pitching coach Spin Williams said Schmidt's arm "felt refreshed" after a workout yesterday.

Derek Bell's right hamstring has not responded to treatments and he will be placed on the 15-day disabled list. Trainer Kent Biggerstaff said the problem area is right where the tendon attaches to the bone. There was no immediate word on what player would be called up from the minors. Another roster move is anticipated because McClendon wants to go with an 11-man pitching staff, one fewer than he has now, because of off-days built into the schedule.

Pat Meares' ankle has healed, but he is experiencing problems in his left knee and is not ready to come off the disabled list. There is no word on how long he might be out. "If it's not a curse, I don't know what is," Meares said. His knee did not seem to be a problem until he started working out and running sprints last week in anticipation of being activated after the All-Star break. "It's disappointing. I was ready to come off."

Also on the injury front, reliever Terry Mulholland had X-rays taken yesterday of his broken left index finger. Even if the bone is healed, he is still two to three weeks away from returning because he needs to regain his arm strength. Pitcher Francisco Cordova is due back in Pittsburgh today to test his right elbow. Cordova has been in Phoenix doing rehabilitation work and will throw off flat ground for two weeks before his elbow his re-examined. If it checks out, he can begin throwing off the mound. Reliever Jose Silva had the cast removed from his broken left leg and had an X-ray taken yesterday to make sure the tibia bone had healed. Eight weeks after surgery on his right shoulder, CF Adrian Brown is progressing so well that McClendon said his return may be ahead of schedule. Brown was originally due back Sept. 1. He has regained his shoulder strength through a diligent workout and rehabilitation regimen, although he is not throwing yet.

Brian Giles brought back a Luis Gonzalez bat with him from the All-Star Game. Gonzalez is second to Barry Bonds in home runs in the National League. Asked if he would use the bat in a game, Giles smiled: "Yes, if it has some jacks in it." Giles said his goal during the second half is to stay healthy. "I believe in my ability. I think I'll have 30 home runs, drive in 100 and hopefully hit .300 along the way," he said. As for the team's goals, Giles would like the see the Pirates get back on a winning streak. "This next half is about job security. A lot of guys are playing to be on a big-league club next year."

While the Pirates were on a 10-game road trip, Jackie Robinson's name was added to the ring of retired numbers at PNC Park. Baseball had mandated the retirement of the No. 42 worn by Robinson, the first player to break baseball's color barrier in 1947. A special tribute to the Negro Leagues will be held tomorrow, with the Pirates wearing Homestead Grays uniforms and the Royals wearing Kansas City Monarchs uniforms. Two permanent tributes to the Negro Leagues also will be unveiled inside PNC Park.

Something else was new at PNC Park. The grass was cut in a starburst pattern, starting with a circle around the pitcher's mound with fan-shaped designs radiating outward toward the outfield fences.

NASHVILLE (40-49) had the day off.

ALTOONA (38-51) had the day off.

LYNCHBURG (53-53) won, 12-4, at home vs. Frederick. Starter and winner Jeff Bennett (8-6) was charged with three unearned runs on four hits over seven innings while striking out five and walking one. LF Josh Bonifay was 4 for 5 with two home runs, a double and four RBIs. SS Jose Castillo was 2 for 5 with a double and two RBIs. 1B Chris Combs had two hits, and DH Jon Prieto drove in two runs.

HICKORY (51-57) won, 7-3, at Delmarva. Starter Sean Bennett got the win, allowing two earned runs on six hits over six innings while striking out six and walking three. RF Nathan McLouth hit a solo home run, his seventh. LF Manny Ravelo had a double and triple while driving in a run. 3B Yurendell DeCaster also hit a solo home run, his 10th.

WILLIAMSPORT (13-8) lost, 5-2, at New Jersey. Starter Jonathon Searles (1-3) was the loser, lasting 3 2/3 innings while giving up three earned runs on seven hits. He struck out three and walked two. CF Chris Duffy was 1 for 2 with two walks, three stolen bases and two runs scored.

BRADENTON (7-11) had its game vs. the Twins postponed by rain.