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Pirates Open to Using Ryan Doumit at Catcher
Bucs Dugout — Excellent: Management remains flexible to using Doumit as an outfield reserve and keeping his bat in the lineup more often, but that flexibility also includes using him as an active backup catcher, part of a semi-platoon with Ronny Paulino, or even pushing Paulino for starting ...

Doumit
Honest Wagner — Dejan Kovacevic notes he continues to wear the tools of ignorance.

They're heeeere
Where Have You Gone, Andy Van Slyke? — I wish I had time to do longer posts with more thought in the, but at the moment, I do not. First full-squad workout is tomorrow and most position players are showing up today. Make sure you go to the revamped Only Bucs and check out Jim Sullivan's Spring Training diaries. Seems like the Pirates are considering using Doumit behind the plate. If he can stay healthy, this is really the only move to make. I don't know if he can stay healthy. Ohhh man, I can't wait to watch some baseball games.

Spring Training Notes
Raise the Jolly Roger — In the past few days, there hasn't been any real meaningful Pirate news, but it's tough not to pay attention once the team is together again and there are daily reports out of Bradenton. Two things that did catch my eye were pieces about players that may not dominate (or even make the team) on the field, but really seem to make an impact in the cubhouse and/or with the media. Masumi Kuwata and Doug Mientkiewicz are two guys that simply love to play baseball, and that's why they came to camp. Read more on Masumi here ...