Published: May 14, 2009 11:49 pm      

Pirates notebook: Little fanfare for Tracy's return

PITTSBURGH — Don’t expect it to get very emotional tonight when Jim Tracy returns to PNC Park in a baseball uniform for the first time since the end of the 2007 season.

Tracy is now Colorado’s bench coach and the Rockies and Pirates begin a three-game series at 7:05.

He is back in baseball for the first time since a disastrous two-year stint as the Pirates’ manager from 2006-07, a period of time in which he compiled a 135-189 record.

However, most of the Pirates surveyed Thursday night before the finale of a three-game series with the St. Louis Cardinals seemed indifferent to Tracy’s return. The majority were unaware he was on the Rockies’ staff.

“I think half of the people in this clubhouse don’t even know Jim Tracy or that he managed here,” center fielder Nate McLouth said. “A lot of has changed since he managed here. We’re a different team now. We have different management and a different direction.”

McLouth is one of 11 Pirates who played for Tracy but said he likely wouldn’t talk to his former manager.

“There is really no reason to go talk to him,” McLouth said. “He’s on the other team now.”

Left-handed reliever John Grabow, though, said he will be glad to see Tracy.

“He gave me a chance to pitch in meaningful situations and I appreciate that,” Grabow said. “I have respect for every coach or manager I’ve ever played for, from high school on up through now. As a player, you always have to respect that they are there to help you and make you a better player.”

Tracy was fired five days after the 2007 season ended with one year remaining on his contract and sat out last season while collecting his $1.2-million salary.

Pirates General Manager Neal Huntington, who had been hired less than two weeks earlier, was willing to keep Tracy under certain conditions, which included firing pitching coach Jim Colborn. However, Tracy, fiercely loyal to Colborn, refused.

q q q

Lineup update: Third baseman Andy LaRoche got a night to rest after starting 26 straight games. Though LaRoche has reached base in 24 of the past 25 games, he has hit just .231 with three RBIs in May.

“He looks a little worn down physically,” Pirates manager John Russell said.

Eric Hinske made his first start of the season at third base. However, the position is far from unfamiliar as he has played 444 games at third in his eight-year career.

q q q

Injury update: Reliever Craig Hansen, who has been on the disabled list since April 20 with neck spasms, said he is feeling considerably better and remains on track to throw off a mound today for the first time since being placed on the DL.

Hansen likely wouldn’t be ready to go on a minor-league rehabilitation assignment until at least late next week.

q q q

Walk-less update: The Pirates and Cardinals combined to allow no walks in the Pirates’ 5-2 win Wednesday night. The last time the Pirates and their opponent had a game with no bases on balls was Aug. 25, 2004, against Arizona at PNC Park.

Crack Pirates media relations director Jim Trdinich was quick to point out that color commentator Bob Walk missed both games because he had the night off, making them each truly walk-free affairs.

q q q

Miracle Field update: The Pirates Charities Miracle League Field will be dedicated at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Dick’s Sporting Goods Sportsplex at Graham Park in Cranberry Township.

The field is the first of its kind in the Pittsburgh area and made of a synthetic surface that makes it possible for children in wheelchairs and walkers, and with other special needs, to play baseball. It also includes concession stands, dugouts, restrooms and lights.

Pirates Chairman Bob Nutting is scheduled to speak at the event along with Miracle League of Southwestern Pennsylvania President Mike Sherry, Cranberry Township board of supervisors chairman Dick Hadley and state Sen. Jane C. Orie.

Pirates second baseman Freddy Sanchez, who made a monetary contribution to the construction of the field with his wife, Alissa, will also attend.