Hurdle won't jeopardize things, but wants to win spring games

Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said he is not going to jeopardize anyone's health or push someone past his pitch limit to win a spring game, but at the same time he doesn't want to lose every game.

"There is a touch and feel to it. We just want to make sure the guys we have on the field are doing the things we've asked them to do," Hurdle said Wednesday after practice. "Pitchers following the mitt, retiring hitters on three or four pitches or less and when they do get runners on base maintenance of the inning."

Hurdle said statistics can come and go and be meaningful, but feels there is more to it than grabbing a number and holding on to it.

"The results are what you are looking for, but there is that fine line and you need to read into it a little," Hurdle said. "Hits are good, but it's not going to be the tell tale sign that is the only factor used in our decision making process."

Hurdle wants to see improvement out of Bucs shortstop Cedeno

Pittsburgh Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said his club needs shortstop Ronny Cedeno to play with consistency and make good decision in the infield and take more of a leadership role in the infield.

"Offensively, we need him to have better quality at-bats and work with him on keeping the ball out of the air and become a consistent major league player," Hurdle said. "The separation at this level is consistency day in and day out. He has got work in front of him. We stressed the importance of taking one play at a time and not let one miscue stay on your mind or in your back pocket."

Hurdle said he doesn't want to see first pitch hacking from any of his players and that he would like to see a method to their at-bats. He feels the club can help Cedeno with plate discipline and pitch selection.

"Coming in everyone has a clean slate. Everyone will know what their areas of improvement are and what they need to do," Hurdle said. "We want players to drive the ball and focus on back spin and to be aggressive within the strike zone.

Pirates Olsen out with injury

Pittsburgh Pirates newly acquired lefthander Scott Olsen suffered a mild strain in his left hamstring and will be out for at least a week.

Olsen, who is expected to battle for the fifth starter job, incurred the injury during fielding practice on Thursday.

"We are going to take it a day at a time and a week lost is a week lost," Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said. "There is no more concern other than there is going to be a time where he is not going to be involved.