PIRATES Wilson is model of optimism

It is possible Pittsburgh will trade the utility player.
BRADENTON, Fla. (AP) -- Craig Wilson could have been excused for pouting a bit when the Pittsburgh Pirates pushed him out of their plans for the starting lineup. Instead, he has been a model citizen.
For starters, Wilson voluntarily reported early to spring training. Although the team plans to use him as an emergency catcher -- he has spent almost all of his five major-league seasons in the outfield or at first base -- it did not instruct him to report before the other position players, who must arrive by Tuesday.
On top of that, Wilson showed up in good shape and good spirits. He has been seen smiling and laughing, and his only comments to the media have been unfailingly positive.
"I'm still going to do what I've done the past couple springs. I'm going to play hard and make it tough for them not to play me," he said. "I've always gone into the spring with the thought that I'm going to have to earn a spot. Nothing's ever given to you."
Impressed
That approach has impressed new Pittsburgh manager Jim Tracy, who pulled Wilson aside for a 15-minute talk Thursday, the day he reported.
"For a guy to come in here and work to improve his versatility, to put on that catcher's gear," Tracy said, "I admire that."
Wilson, 29, was the Pirates' leader in home runs (29) and tied for the lead in RBIs (82) in 2004. But he missed all but 59 games of last season due to two hand injuries, and the team made two major offseason moves that likely will relegate him to the bench for 2006.
One was the acquisition of first baseman Sean Casey in a trade with the Cincinnati Reds; the Pirates must pay Casey $7.5 million this season. The other was the signing of outfielder Jeromy Burnitz out of free agency to a one-year contract that guarantees him $6.7 million.
It is possible Pittsburgh will trade Wilson, given his $3.3 million salary and the team's limited budget, but general manager Dave Littlefield has repeatedly insisted that doesn't have to be the case.
"In this business, trades are something that happen," Wilson said. "I've been traded before. I was traded over to Pittsburgh. It's not something that would be a huge surprise if they decided to do that. If it happens, it happens."
Notes
Starter Paul Maholm missed his scheduled pitching session Monday because of a strained hamstring. Manager Jim Tracy described his status as day-to-day. ... Reliever Giovanni Carrara reported to camp after missing the first three workouts because of visa problems in leaving Venezuela. He is expected to pitch Tuesday. ... The only other late player, reliever Roberto Hernandez, is expected Tuesday.