Shots Across the Bow: Enjoy the little things

Wednesday, 09 January 2013 22:57

Written by Bill Brink

BRADENTON, Fla. — Charlie Morton was excited Wednesday. He got to wear baseball spikes during his workout.

It’s the small stuff for Morton, still soldiering through his rehabilitation from Tommy John surgery. He has company now as the Pirates go through mini-camp here.

Morton is working to adjust his mechanics while throwing off of flat ground so that by the time he throws off a mound – he hopes to begin side sessions in three weeks – the mechanical changes will be second nature.

“I would assume that the adjustments that we’re making are not only to help me benefit on the field but also from a health standpoint,” Morton said.

In today’s Post-Gazette, Morton talks about the mechanical adjustments and the training required to commit to them.

**********

Also in today's story: Until Morton returns, two rotation spots remain uncertain. Jeff Locke and Kyle McPherson are the favorites, but Zach Stewart, Vin Mazzaro and Andrew Oliver have outside shots. Wednesday, the Pirates added one more: Jeanmar Gomez, acquired from the Indians for Quincy Latimore.

Gomez is likely headed to Class AAA Indianapolis for depth, but there is a chance he competes for the rotation.