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Wednesday, March 20, 2002

By Robert Dvorchak, Post-Gazette Sports Writer

BRADENTON, Fla. -- The Pirates' defensive shortcomings of the past few years have been well documented.

McKechnie Field, their home base in Florida, was the only major-league practice facility that lacked an extra field for infield practice. Coincidence?

Through a donation of $33,000 by the Bradenton Pirates Boosters Club, the Pirates have opened a practice infield on what used to be a parking area outside McKechnie's right-field fence.

"Every major-league facility should have an extra field for practice," General Manager Dave Littlefield said.

Informally know as the "little field," it can be used by infielders to take extra ground balls after being pulled from spring-training games. In the past, they would have to take ground balls early on the dew-covered grass, wait for the game to be over or drive 15 minutes to Pirate City.

"Now we can get in extra work while guys are still loose," said first base coach Tommy Sandt, who runs drills for the infielders. "We should have had one 20 years ago."

Jack Wilson was among the first players to use the field. It gives him a place to work off frustrations when he makes an error in games. And it gives him a chance to get his timing down with second baseman Pokey Reese.

The money for the field came from the sale of programs and other items, according to Ted Czerwinski, president of the boosters club.

Over the years, the boosters also have paid for a new playing surface at McKechnie, a press box elevator, video cameras as a teaching tool for players and other park renovations. Their next project is new scoreboard.

Easier drive

A year ago, Abraham Nunez failed to make the 25-man roster and was driving to Nashville with his family when the Pirates called. Because of an injury to Mike Benjamin, Nunez was needed in Pittsburgh.

So he drove all night, stopping to sleep in a parking lot when he couldn't find a motel vacancy.

The road looks a lot smoother this year for Nunez, who is hitting over .400 this spring and is being counted on as a utility infielder.

"It would be awfully tough for him not to make the club," Manager Lloyd McClendon said.

Last year was the first full season in the majors for Nunez, who established career highs in nearly every offensive category before a hamstring injury ended his season Sept. 8. He hit .262 in 115 games and led the team with six bunt singles.

Said Nunez: "I'm ready to play. I'm in better shape than I have ever been. I'm coming off my best year, and I want to do even better. The main thing is to take advantage of the opportunity."

Pitching lineup

Yesterday was the only day off of the spring, but Kip Wells pitched in a minor-league game to stay on schedule as the team's No. 2 starter. Dave Williams was scheduled to pitch today but has been moved back a day to synchronize the rotation. Pat Rapp, a free agent still in contention for the final rotation spot, starts tonight against Mike Mussina and the Yankees. Reese will return to the lineup tonight after missing 10 days with a sore elbow.