Monday, August 18, 2003

By Robert Dvorchak, Post-Gazette Sports Writer

Pirates vs. Cardinals, 8:10 p.m. tomorrow, Busch Stadium, St. Louis. TV, radio: Fox Sports Net; KDKA-AM (1020) and the Pirates Radio Network. The Pirates are 6-8 vs. the Cardinals this season, 4-3 in St. Louis.

With 1B Randall Simon gone, could OF Reggie Sanders be next? While Sanders has said he would like to stay, the Cardinals reportedly are seeking a productive OF because J.D. Drew is on the disabled list. If the Pirates aren't interested in bringing him back, they could get something for him before the month is over. But Sanders prefers to block out the speculation. "It's one of those things that's in the back of your mind, but you can't worry about it. When you get between the lines, you have to do a job. Whatever the front office wants to do, that's up to them. I'm just doing what I have to do," Sanders said. "If you can't control what's going on, why worry about it? There's so much uncertainty. I just want to worry about the now." Any number of teams are probably wishing they would have picked up Sanders for $1 million in the off-season. "I was thinking maybe I should put out a bag and see what happens," Sanders joked. He leads the Pirates with 27 home runs and has 65 RBIs. In his previous 22 games, he has nine doubles, a triple, 11 home runs and 25 RBIs.

In addition to acquiring a minor-leaguer in Ray Sadler, who is projected as an extra outfielder, the Pirates save some salary and opened up some playing time for Craig Wilson, Matt Stairs and Carlos Rivera at first base. Wilson and Stairs will get most of the at-bats. While management says it's not a make-or-break period for Wilson, who is arbitration eligible, the final weeks of the season could provide some answers. "I think the question is what have we got in Craig Wilson in total?" General Manager Dave Littlefield said on his weekly KDKA-AM radio show. "He's still growing into being a big-leaguer." Added Manager Lloyd McClendon: "It wouldn't say it's do or die. But it's certainly an opportunity to take a step forward. It gives us an opportunity to look at some guys we do have that we think are ready to take the next step." That Stairs will see time there could be an indication the Pirates might want him to return next season. If not, Stairs could also be dealt before the month is out. "If it happens, it happens. I don't worry about it," Stairs said. As proof that he's not feeling uptight at all, Stairs walked through the clubhouse before the game yesterday and wondered aloud: "Do we have enough players today?"

Nelson Figueroa tentatively is scheduled to start Thursday against the Cardinals if Salomon Torres is not able to come off the disabled list and start. Tongue firmly in cheek, McClendon said he would not move up Josh Fogg to pitch in St. Louis. "If I had my way, he'd never pitch against St. Louis again," McClendon said. Fogg failed to get an out against the Cardinals Tuesday. In his past two starts against them, he has given up 13 runs on 15 hits while getting 12 outs. Might Fogg just skip the trip to St. Louis and go straight to Milwaukee on the road trip that begins Tuesday? "I'm going to watch see how everybody gets them out," Fogg laughed. "I have to figure out something against them because I might pitch against them in some point in my career."

The Pirates haven't said who they will bring up from Class AAA Nashville to fill Simon's spot, and they do have an opening on the 40-man roster. But it won't be Bobby Hill or Freddy Sanchez. Hill, just acquired from the Cubs, has to stay with Nashville for 10 days. Sanchez, acquired from the Red Sox, was placed on the 15-day disabled list last week with tendinitis in his right foot. The Sanchez case differs from Brandon Lyon, a reliever who was acquired and then shipped back to the Red Sox after the Pirates discovered a frayed tendon in his elbow. "We were aware of his situation and don't have any long-term issues with it," Littlefield said. Adam Hyzdu could be recalled, although McClendon said he would like to take a look at J.J. Davis and Tony Alvarez, among others, before the season is finished.

Yesterday was the first time in 11 games that Pirates pitchers had not given up a home run. ... The 12 hits by the Pirates yesterday marked the seventh time in 10 games they have collected at least 10 hits, and they are batting .300 as a unit in that stretch. The Pirates also have hit 20 home runs in their past 11 games. If the pace continues, they could break the club record of 171 set in 1999. ... The Pirates are 20-15 in their previous 35 games at home. They are also 32-25 since June 14, the best record in the National League Central Division.

NASHVILLE (71-56) lost, 8-6, at Tacoma. Ryan Vogelsong (11-8) allowed eight runs on 11 hits in six innings and was the loser. RF J.J. Davis had three hits, including two doubles, and drove in a run.

ALTOONA (68-56) lost, 3-2, at Akron. Mike Connolly (6-8) went six innings, but only one of the three runs charged to him were earned. LF Brett Roneberg had three hits.

LYNCHBURG (71-50) won, 5-4, vs. Winston-Salem. Bryan Bullington (6-4) went six shutout innings for the win, allowing five hits. DH Jeff Keppinger had three hits, including a triple, and drove in a run.

HICKORY (74-46) won, 7-5, at Savannah. Patrick O'Brien (5-4) gave up two runs on six hits in six innings. Jon Berry notched his third save. LF Chaz Lytle had two hits and two RBI. SS Taber Lee and RF Bobby Kingsbury each had two hits. 3B Chris Bass hit his 12th home run.

WILLIAMSPORT (36-23) lost, 8-7, in 12 innings at Oneonta. Christopher Hernandez (1-2) lost in relief of starter Paul Maholm, who gave up two earned runs on seven hits in four innings. CF Nyjer Morgan had three hits to extend his hitting streak to 17 games.

BRADENTON (31-18) lost, 13-5, to the Phillies. John Hummel (3-3) lost in relief of starter Dustin Molleken, who gave up four runs on three hits in three innings. LF Joseph Hicks had two hits and an RBI.

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