SPRING TRAINING Reed makes bid to become Bucs' starting pitcher

He beat the Indians, strengthening his case to be the No. 5 starter.
WINTER HAVEN, Fla. (AP) -- Rick Reed felt more like himself. He pitched more like himself, too.
Reed, trying to nail down a job as Pittsburgh's No. 5 starter, got his first victory of the spring Sunday, working four sharp innings in the Pirates' 6-1 win over the Cleveland Indians.
"He did what he wanted to do with the ball," manager Lloyd McClendon said. "That's the kind of Rick Reed we're all used to seeing over the years."
Back in action
The 39-year-old Reed made his first appearance in a major league game since March 10 because of a stiff lower back. A bad outing could have endangered his chances of beating out Ryan Vogelsong for the final spot in the Pirates' rotation.
But Reed came through, allowing one run and four hits with four strikeouts.
"I was able to throw strikes with all my pitches," said Reed, who went 6-12 with Minnesota last season. "I was happy that I was able to throw strikes and feel normal again."
Raul Mondesi hit a home run in the sixth inning and Bobby Hill connected in the seventh for the Pirates.
Cleveland's No. 3 starter, Cliff Lee, walked five in 32/3 innings.
Opportunity
Reed signed as a non-roster player in January and said he was only guaranteed a chance to make the roster. And while he hasn't been overly impressive this spring, his experience may sway the Pirates to give him a starting job.
Vogelsong was scheduled to pitch tonight against the Cincinnati Reds -- a few hours after the Pirates meet to discuss their roster.
Reed hasn't been told anything yet, and said McClendon didn't give him any clue as to what might happen.
"They only told me, 'Go down to the bullpen and throw nine more pitches,' " he joked. "And after the game, 'the bus leaves in 45 [minutes].' "
The Pirates are also considering rookie left-hander Sean Burnett in the No. 5 spot, but he'll more likely start the year in Triple-A. The 21-year-old, who led the Eastern League with 14 wins last season, shut out the Indians for 32/3 innings Sunday.
"We've been looking for guys to step up all spring," McClendon said. "I would say our decisions are tougher now than they were a week ago. That's good. You want to have tough decisions at this time of spring. I think all three guys have made pretty strong cases for themselves."