ESPN’s Buster Olney on the Bucs, NL Central, and More of What You Love: Baseball

Buster Olney says the long ball could shrink the long odds, but the Bucs aren’t contenders yet.  [ESPN]

The Day Five Spring Training

notes:

A few pitchers had their daily early work and some of the hitters took some swings in the batting cages between 8:00 and 9:00.  The pitchers and catchers also had their daily video meeting at 9:15 with Pitching Coach Joe Kerrigan and the rest of the Pirates coaching and managerial staff.

The players were once again on the fields at 10:00 for the daily stretch and throwing program under sunny skies, windy conditions and temps in the mid 60’s.

Today marked the third bullpen session for the following pitchers (Ross Ohlendorf, Paul Maholm, Kevin Hart, D.J. Carrasco, Jeff Karstens, Jack Taschner, Steven Jackson, Bryan Morris, Brad Lincoln, Donnie Veal, Chris Jakubauskas, Justin Thomas, Anthony Claggett, Virgil Vasquez).  Those 14 pitchers threw between 45 and 50 pitches during their time in the bullpen.

The non-throwing pitchers participated in fielding and base running drills and were off the fields by 11:30.

A total of 19 position players participated in fielding drills, took BP, conditioned and were done by noon.

The catchers also took BP and were off the fields by 12:30.

All 66 players expected to be in camp have reported to Pirate City.  Many of the position players are undergoing physicals this afternoon.

The first full-squad workout is scheduled for tomorrow at 10:00, which will follow a team meeting that is slated for 9:00.

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Matt at The Chicago Mob does an excellent job of looking at the Cubs SS position, 39 errors?  Wow.  And you were worried about Jeff Clement?  [CHICAGO MOB]

Cubbies Crib projects the 2010 infield and also puts the Bucs in a questionable position in his pre-season rankings.  [CUBBIES CRIB]

Please tell me this isn’t true, not that I buy into this mentality, but what Pirate fan wants the Brewers to play better as a team?  [REVIEW THE BREW]

Red Bird Rants looks at Cards closer Ryan Franklin, the player who is now working on a cutter (ugh) to go with his fastball.  He doesn’t talk about Franklin’s as the guy who hates the gun ban that’s been done enough.    [REDBIRD RANTS]

Pittsburgh loves the draft.  Tim gives Pirate fans an early run down  [BUCCO FANS]

Get over to the Pittsburgh Sports Tavern for all the Pirate scoop, make Kipper buy you a beer.  [PITTSBURGH SPORTS TAVERN]

Some poked fun because John Russell doesn’t know who the opening day starter will be,  Bronson Arroyo still thought he was a Bucco, because he would prefer not to do it.  [BASEBALL INSTINCT]

FanGraphs looks at the Houston Astros decision to extend ex-Pirate executive, Ed Wade.  Fan Graphs can’t figure out why the Astros made the move.  Pirate fans don’t care, we  are rejoicing. [FANGRAPHS]

JoePa’s glasses go for $9,000.  [MONDESI’S HOUSE]