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Pirates notebook: No bunting drills for Burnett

Christopher Horner | Tribune-Review
Pirates catcher Russell Martin (left) greets pitcher A.J. Burnett after the two worked out together in the bullpen at Pirate City on Tuesday Feb. 12, 2013, in Bradenton, Fla.
About Rob Biertempfel
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Pirates Reporter
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review



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HE SAID IT

“I went on a shopping spree.” -- Catcher Russell Martin, who conducted his first interview of camp while decked out in bright, new black-and-gold T-shirt, shorts, socks and shoes.

DIGIT

32

Pirates Grapefruit League games, out of 35, that will be either televised on Root Sports or broadcast via radio (KDKA AM and FM) or the Internet (pirates.com).

ON THE FIELD

During batting practice on Field 3, Martin took a few grounders at shortstop. It's just part of his end-of-workout routine; don't expect to see him filling in when Clint Barmes needs a day off. “I don't anticipate Russ being our Plan B (at short),” manager Clint Hurdle joked.



By Rob Biertempfel

Published: Tuesday, February 12, 2013, 6:57 p.m.
Updated: Wednesday, February 13, 2013

• A.J. Burnett plans to sit out the annual pitchers' bunting tournament during spring training. “I'm out,” Burnett said Tuesday. “I'll only bunt when a coach throws me the ball, not off the machine. No chance. I need a full spring.” During the first week of camp last year, Burnett fouled off a bunt attempt into his face and shattered his right orbital bone. He didn't make his Pirates debut until April 21.

• Free-agent infielder Brandon Inge appeared set to sign a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training, according to an industry source. Inge, 35, had arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder in September after batting .218 with 12 homers in 83 games with the Detroit Tigers and Oakland Athletics. He became a free agent when the A's declined his $6 million option.

• Right-hander Stolmey Pimentel, who lives in the Dominican Republic, hasn't reported to camp because of visa problems. He was the only player who missed Monday's reporting deadline for pitchers and catchers.

• Fourteen pitchers are scheduled to throw sides Wednesday. The group includes Kyle McPherson, Jared Hughes, Tony Watson and Jonathan Sanchez.

• Owner Bob Nutting is slated to address a full-squad meeting Feb. 21.

• Root Sports will televise five spring training games: March 1 versus the Red Sox (7 p.m.); March 8, Orioles (7 p.m.); March 9, Twins (1 p.m.); March 23, Red Sox (1 p.m.); and March 24, Orioles (1 p.m.).

— Rob Biertempfel

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