Lots of stuff to cover

- First off, something I have not mentioned yet: the Pirates offered Matt Capps to Milwaukee for SS J.J. Hardy. The Brewers obviously declined as they traded Hardy to the Twins for Carlos Gomez. If the Pirates would have been able to pull off that deal, it would have been great, but I can definitely see why the Brewers took Gomez over Capps.

- Also, from that same article, reliever Evan Meek vowed to Dejan Kovacevic that we will see a 100 mph fastball from him next year. Meek's oblique, which caused him to miss the end of the season is fully healed.

- The Pirates announced their Spring Training schedule for all those who like taking the trip to Bradenton. After going last year, I think it is a must for all Pirates fans. It really is a cool experience. Brian over at Raise the Jolly Roger has the schedule listed.

- The Pirates released many struggling minor leaguers including Cuban bonus baby Yoslan Herrera. Tim over at BuccoFans.com has a complete list of the players released and a little on each guy.

- It sounds like Jeff Clement really wants to be a catcher. Clement has surgically repaired his left knee twice already so I really do not see that happening. Nonetheless, he is preparing to go into Spring Training as both a catcher and a first baseman. He even went as far as to say he really wants to catch, even if it as a backup. Hey, we'll see.

- Also, from that same article, Andy LaRoche points out that he is ready to make a position move to second base whenever Pedro Alvarez is ready to take over third base. LaRoche has spent the last month with Alvarez in Bradenton and pulled him aside one day to tell him that he should not be uncomfortable around him because he is "forcing" him to move.