Pirates option Neil Walker to AAA

The Pittsburgh Pirates have optioned third baseman Neil Walker to AAA Indianapolis. Walker, 23, made improvements in camp, showing much more patience at the plate with seven walks but he still needs improvement on the offensive side of his game after batting.231 in spring training. Defensively he is major league ready. The Pirates would have liked to keep Walker with the team for about another week but his major league service clock would have started if he remained on the roster.

Gorzenlanny sent to Triple-A Indianapolis

The Pirates sent starting pitcher Tom Gorzelanny to Triple-A Indianapolis today The move doesn’t come as a surprise considering in four starts and nine innings this spring, Gorzelanny had a 7.0 ERA after allowing eight hits and walking five batters. The Pirates also optioned outfielder Jose Tabata to the Pirates AA affliate, the Altoona Curve. Tabata hit .407

Alvarez optioned to Class A Lynchburg

Third baseman Pedro Alvarez, the Pittsburgh Pirates’ first-round draft pick last season and the organizations top prospect, was optioned to Class A Lynchburg on Monday as eight players were sent to the minor-league camp. Alvarez who is viewed as a franchise type of the player that the Pirates can finally build around, hit a monster three-run homer in Sunday’s game against the Tampa Bay Rays. Alvarez has drawn comparisons from Willie Stargell¬†to Manny Ramirez from former players and baseball experts who were in Bradenton watching the Pirates this spring. The Estimated Arrival for Alvarez is believed to be

Tuesday’s News & Notes; Pitcher Rankings through 11 days of workouts; ETA 2009 for Alvarez?

Brian Kelly from Bradenton reports the following Infielder Luis Cruiz will miss 7-10 days with a hip injury. Tough break for Cruiz. Team seems high on him and he’s a sleeper in spring training to make the squad. From what I’ve seen from him, he is a better option than Brian Bixler whose time in the organization is hanging by a thread. Middle infielder Ruben Gotay is seen as a good depth acquisition throughout the organization. The Pirates could still add a few more players in the next 4 weeks as the team has an offer on the table to reliever Will Ohman and remains interested in Pedro Martinez. Eight pitchers threw practice today: Daniel McCutchen, Jeff Karstens, John Grabow,

Pirates pick up option on John Russell

The Pittsburgh Pirates have exercised the 2010 club option of manager John Russell. The announcement was made by Neal Huntington, the Pirates Senior Vice President and General Manager. Russell will begin his second season as the manger of the Pirates this year after being named to his current position on November 5, 2007. “JR met or exceeded expectations in his first year as the Pirates manager. His club worked hard to play the game properly and battled from the first out until the last,” said Huntington. “His leadership, knowledge, attention to detail, ability to see the big picture and passion for things being done the right way made him the ideal choice as our manager a year ago and made

McCutchen frustrated with the Pirates “patience approach”

Center Fielder Andrew McCutchen (the organizations #2 prospect) feels he’s ready for the majors but even if is he has a strong spring training, it likely won’t matter. Indications are the team plans on starting McCutchen in AAA no matter what

Wednesday’s Spring Training Report

Brian Kelly Live from Bradenton Reports the following The buzz around Spring training continues to be Nate McLouth who signed a three year – $15.75 contract yesterday. Management has gone into spring training with a open mind regarding Prospect 3B Neil Walker. Walker begins Spring Training #2 on the Major League depth chart behind 3B Andy LaRoche. Laroche is expected to be the Pirates opening day starter at third but the Pirates are not very high on him. They were active in free agency pursuing a veteran third baseman. Good opportunity for Walker to make a strong impression in Spring Training for a potential callup by mid-season. Walker has fared well so far. Another very good day for the Pirates

Spring Training Report: Pirates avoid arbitration with McLouth

Updated: 8:02 a.m. The Pirates have signed outfielder Nate McLouth to a three year contract, avoiding arbitration. Last season, McLouth hit .276 with 26 home runs and 94 RBI. The Pirates have made an offer to lefty reliever Will Ohman according to Jerry Crasnik of ESPN. Crasnik writes “Ohman, 31, one of the top relievers left on baseball’s free agent market, has major league offers in hand from the Pittsburgh Pirates, Florida Marlins and San Diego Padres but plans to continue discussions with three contending teams before making a decision on his destination for 2009, his agent said Monday.” The Pirates offer is believed to be in the $1.1 million range. The Pirates also remain interested in starting pitcher Pedro