PITTSBURGH -- The Pirates, in an ideal world, would like to see a large number of their young major-leaguers play winter ball in Latin America this upcoming offseason.

However, general manager Neal Huntington said Sunday before the Pirates lost to the San Diego Padres, 4-0, at PNC Park that very few players are interested in spending part of their winter in the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Puerto Rico or Venezuela. In fact, he has yet to get a firm commitment from any of the Pirates' American players.

"Frankly, I wish players would embrace the idea of playing winter ball because it can be a great part of a player's development," Huntington said. "Outside of playing in the major leagues, these guys will never face a more pressure-packed situation than playing winter ball. That is their major-league season in Latin America and the stakes are very high because everyone is playing to win.

"I'm not sure that I've heard anyone who went down there and performed say that it didn't help them. The guys who go down there with the wrong mentality and get sent home early, they hate it. They're the ones who come back with the bad stories."

Huntington did not say specifically who has turned down winter-ball opportunities, but it is clear he is disappointed by the lack of response.

"I hate to sound like an old-timer, but a lot of these guys don't need the money that's down there," Huntington said. "It shouldn't be about the money. It should be about the development."

OHLENDORF UPDATE: Huntington confirmed that right-hander Ross Ohlendorf will not pitch again this season.

Ohlendorf has worked 176 2/3 innings in 29 starts in first full season as a major-league season. That is an increase of 35 innings over last season.

"Ross had a tremendous year and made some really good adjustments," Huntington said. "We're looking forward to him being in a position where he can now pitch 200-plus innings for many more years to come."

Ohlendorf went 11-10 with a 3.92 ERA.

The Pirates will likely go with a five-man rotation for the final two weeks of the season, though there is a possibility that right-handers Eric Hacker, Jeff Karstens and Virgil Vasquez could get spot starts.

"I guess I'll be a cheerleader now," Ohlendorf said with a smile. "I understand totally what they're doing, though. I feel good about what I did this season and I want to come back next year and improve upon everything I did."

INJURY UPDATE: Second baseman Delwyn Young was not in the starting lineup, but grounded out as a pinch hitter in the eighth inning. Young had missed the previous five games with lower back spasms and there is a least a chance he will be limited to pinch-hitting duty for the remainder of the season.

Third baseman Andy LaRoche sat out his third straight game with the flu and was again asked not to come to the ballpark for fear he might infect other players. Backup catcher Jason Jaramillo has also had a mild case of the flu, but was available to play in an emergency Sunday.

First baseman Garrett Jones missed his second straight game with a jammed right shoulder, but there is a possibility he could return to the lineup tonight.

With the Pirates missing three-quarters of their regular infield, Steve Pearce got the start at first base, Luis Cruz played second and Neil Walker got the nod at third. Pearce and Walker were both 1-for-4 and Cruz went 0-for-3.

UP NEXT: The four-game series concludes at 7:05 tonight with Daniel McCutchen (0-2, 5.50) scheduled to start for the Pirates against Padres left-hander Wade LeBlanc (2-1, 4.30) in a matchup of rookies.

jperrotto@piratesreport.com

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tootall
09-22-09 1:32 PM »Report Comment Abuse	Thats a good one, the Pirates want to keep Andy LaRoche away from the rest of the team. Not because of the flu but his .245 BA. Give him to Atlanta and Steve Pearce as well. While we are at it throw in Moss, thats if Atlanta would want any of them.
arizonabruce
09-21-09 3:37 AM »Report Comment Abuse	It would be nice if more interest was generated within the clubhouse about winter ball. However, many players will be better suited to utilize the off season to just gain peace of mind mentally and allow physical ailments to heal. As long as these kids are working hard to improve upon themself physically by working out in the off season, management should not be discouraged.

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