Pirates odds and ends

Former No. 1 pick Sean Burnett is 1-0 with three saves and a 0.00 ERA at
Class AAA Indianapolis. He has not allowed a run in seven innings over
four games. “Sean’s answered the first round of questions very well,”
Pirates general manager Neal Huntington said of Burnett’s conversion to a
relief pitcher. “Sean has continued to throw the ball great, has had a
great approach and has been a true professional.”

* Huntington on the signing of Craig Wilson to a minor-league contract:
“It was an opportunity to add a veteran bat. It was an opportunity to add
a person and player who was very popular in this organization. If Craig
returns to full health (from his shoulder injury) and if he swings the bat
the way he did pre-injury than I could see some major-league value. But
the Craig Wilson we signed was more to help (Class AAA) Indianapolis.”

* Nate McLouth’s first-inning single Tuesday gave him a 14-game hitting
streak. It’s the longest hitting to start a season since Willie Stargell
had a 14-game streak in 1976.
Heading into Tuesday’s game, McLouth was leading the majors in hits with
23. He is also first in the National League in total bases (39) and was
tied for the lead in extra-base hits with 11.

* Pirates reliever John Grabow is off to a tremendous start to the season.
Heading into Tuesday night’s game, Grabow is tied for the league lead in
appearances (9). He has struck out eight and has not allowed a run in 9
2/3 innings. Right-handed batters are hitting only .167 off Grabow while
left-handed batters are hitting .154.