Dotel stays out of bullpen

TAMPA, Fla. - Spring training may be only nine days old, but it's not too early to be mildly concerned about Octavio Dotel and his strained left oblique muscle.

On Wednesday, Dotel played catch for the second consecutive day.

"I didn't feel anything," Dotel said of the first session. "I feel better, a lot better. Hopefully, today will be the same."

Yet Dotel didn't feel well enough to pitch for the 10th consecutive day. And he didn't expect to resume bullpen sessions until next week at the earliest.

The original plan called for Dotel to pitch 11 to 12 innings this spring. Now he's more likely to pitch eight or nine innings.

Would the workload be enough for Dotel to be sufficiently prepared for the startof the regular season?

"Probably not," admitted Dotel, who prefers a 12- to 15-inning workload each spring. "I would like more."

If pitching Joe Kerrigan was concerned about the situation, then he didn't show it.

"Mariano Rivera didn't throw his first bullpen (session) until (Tuesday)," Kerrigan said of the New York Yankees bullpen ace. "We didn't plan for him to pitch in games until the second week of training camp. He's not that far behind."

BILLY BALL: It was two years ago when the Yankees allowed comedian and die-hard fan Billy Crystal to bat against Paul Maholm in a Grapefruit League game.

Crystal worked the count to 3-1 before Maholm struck out the 59-year-old veteran on a pitch outside the strike zone.

"I would do the same thing again go right at him and get him out," Maholm said.

Senior staff member Brendan Donnelly said that he would send Crystal message along the way.

"I'd pitch him hard and in about waist-high to give him a message," Donnelly said. "Then I would use my best to get him out, because if he were to get a hit off me, then I might have to retire."

Many baseball purists believe publicity stunts are best suited for fantasy camps and not major-league games. Donnelly said he had no problem with the gimmick as long as it took place early in the Grapefruit League season.

"If it was the first game of spring training, then I wouldn't be insulted," Donnelly said. "But if it was late in spring and he's at the plate against guys that are fighting for roster spots, then that's wrong.

"In that case, I might throw the ball a few feet behind him. I mean, if this is supposed to be a big joke, then let's make one out of the whole thing."

DIAZ MAKES NAME: Shortstop Argenis Diaz has made such an impression in the early days of training camp that coaches often refer call him "Silky" in the field.

"They explained what the word means to me," said Diaz, who was born in Guatire, Venezuela. "I don't mind it at all."

At 23, Diaz is considered to be the defensive shortstop in the organization.

"That's what I hear, too," smiled Diaz, who also spent time time at second base this spring. "I try to work hard every day and help the team whenever it needs me."

Diaz learned the position at his home in Caracas. He received instruction from his father, also named Argenis, virtually every day. It usually took place after his father arrived home from his construction job.

What stands between Diaz and and the major leagues is an ability to hit on a consistent basis. He is a career .268 hitter in the minor leagues.

This winter Diaz took part in a strength and condition program.

"No, no, no," Diaz said when asked if he was more of a power hitter now. "I have to bunt and move the runner and get base hits. I feel better at the plate now."

FOR RYAN OUT LOUD: Outfielder Ryan Church was the designated hitter, a role that the National League lifer had played only once before in his career.

"They should adopt that rule for both leagues," Church lobbied within earshot of pitcher Charlie Morton in the clubhouse. "Have you seen pitchers try to hit the ball?"

Asked whether Church also might have career longevity in mind, the 31-year-old smiled and said, "You're right, I want to play 10 more years."

NEXT: The Pirates will meet the Atlanta Braves in Kissimee, Fla., today (1:05 p.m., Pirates.com).

Charlie Morton is scheduled to start. Brian Burres, Brad Lincoln and Jeff Karstens also will make their spring debuts.

Morton and Burres will pitch a maximum of two innings or 45 pitches each, while Lincoln and Karstens are slated for one inning apiece.