Pre-Game Notes

TODAY:
The Pirates meet the Reds in Sarasota. The starting pitchers are Tom Gorzelannyfor the Pirates and Eric Milton (LH)for the Reds. Marty McLeary, Salomon Torres, Franquelis Osoria and Dave Davidson are also scheduled for the Pirates.

YESTERDAY:
The Pirates lost, 5-3, to the Yankees,Paul Maholm allowed three runs in the 1st inning but rebounded by retiring the final seven batters he faced. Ian Snell pitched 3 perfect innings with one strikeout. Right fielder Brad Eldred, playing the position for the first time since 2002, went 3 for 4 with two doubles. Ronny Paulino went 3 for 3 with a two-run homer. Salomon Torres had another rough outing beaning a batter then surrendering a two run homer for the loss.

TOM GORZELANNY:
Tom Gorzelanny is making his first start and his third appearance of the spring. He is trying to rebound from a five walk, six run (five earned) one and a third inning outing in his last appearance against the Phillies. His last outing against the Reds he allowed two hits and a run in two innings. Gorzelanny was named the Pirates Minor League Pitcher-of-the-Year last season going 6-5 with a 2.35 ERA in 16 starts with Triple-A Indianapolis. Gorzelanny was recalled June 30th going 2-5 with a 3.79 ERA in 11 starts. Tom was the Pirates’ second round selection in the 2003 draft.

TOMORROW:
The Pirates are hosting the Indians at 1:05. Tony Armas, Jr. is scheduled to start for the Pirates against left-hander Jeremy Sowers. Shane Youman,Dan Kolb and John Wasdin are also scheduled to pitch.

PIRATES/REDS:
The Pirates and Reds are scheduled to play a day/night doubleheader (split squad) on Thursday. Game one is at 1:05 at McKechnie. Game two is scheduled for 7:05 at Ed Smith Stadium. Their final Grapefruit League game is scheduled for March 28th in Sarasota.

OPENING DAY:
Three weeks from tomorrow, and my counter broke, the Pirates will open the regular season with a 6:05 (CDT) game in Houston. It will mark just the second time the Pirates have opened the season in Houston, the last time was in 1968.