Blogs

CHICAGO — Using figures provided by The Associated Press, the total payroll for the Pirates’ 25-man active roster, plus five players who’ll begin the season on the disabled list, is $46.047 million. Last year, the AP pegged the Pirates’ Opening Day payroll at $34.943 million. Their highest-paid players are Paul Maholm and Chris Snyder, who’ll [...]

Manager Clint Hurdle said he still has money out on the question he’s been waiting to hear from a reporter all spring. That revelation stemmed from an inquiry as to what momentum Charlie Morton might be able to carry into the regular season after a strong spring training, if that helps with any guesses as [...]

The Pirates optioned right-hander Chris Leroux to Triple-A Indianapolis this afternoon, so barring some last-minute waiver claim or trade, right-hander Mike Crotta and left-hander Garrett Olson will be members of the Pirates’ bullpen for Opening Day. The three were vying for two remaining spots in the bullpen, which already included Jose Veras, Chris Resop, Jeff [...]

Ross Ohlendorf said he thought he threw the ball better and was moving in the right direction after his start tonight, despite taking the loss and numbers that looked just about as bad as his previous outings.

Roster decisions need to be made about Josh Rodriguez, Chris Snyder, Ryan Doumit …

Four years after making his big league debut, Steve Pearce seems to finally have won a roster spot out of spring training.

In his final tuneup before Opening Day, right-hander Kevin Correia turned in what he said was his “best outing of the spring” today against the Yankees.

Andrew McCutchen officially is the No. 3 hitter. Chris Snyder’s sore back puts the roster in some limbo. Welcome aboard, Steve Pearce.

Charlie Morton had a ho-hum outing today against the Rays, but showed signs, even in a troublesome fifth inning, of the big strides he’s made since last season.

Lefty reliever Joe Beimel will not be game-ready in time to open the regular season with the Pirates.