Notes

Hey, the Bucs are finally back in action. After a three day trip to Minute Maid Park, generally a quite inhospitable field for the club, it's back home to face the Reds and Cards. The month closes out with a four-game trip to Atlanta and a three spot at Philly, so the remainder of July should go a long way in determining if the Pirates are contenders or pretenders.

RHP Jeff Karstens (7-4, 2.55) will take the hill against RHP Brett Myers (3-9, 4.88). The game is at 8:05 PM and will be aired on Root Sports.

The lineup: Alex Presley LF, Chase d'Arnaud SS, Neil Walker 2B, Andrew McCutchen CF, Garrett Jones RF, Lyle Overbay 1B, Josh Harrison 3B, Mike McKenry C, Jeff Karstens P.

No Ronny Cedeno yet, and Jose Tabata is rehabbing at Bradenton. It was thought they'd be ready by this weekend; looks a bit touch and go for Houston.

• Buster Olney of ESPN reports that the Pirates are looking for an OF'er. Seems to us like they've got a crowd there already, unless they think RF is the only position within their price range.
• Mea culpa - we reported Jason Jaramillo was in Bradenton doing his rehab; well, right town, wrong team. He's with the GCL Rookie team working his way back into shape.
• Jim Callis of Baseball America tweeted that recently signed third round draft pick Alex Dickerson's bonus was $380,700, right at slot.
• RHP John van Benshoten, the Bucs number one draft pick in 2001, has signed with San Diego and been assigned to AAA Tuscon. He was pitching indy ball this year.