Hart hasn't lost ground yet

Despite a rash of control issues, Pirates starter Kevin Hart is not out of the running to win the fifth and final spot in the starting rotation, said manager John Russell.
Hart walked six in 1 2/3 innings during Wednesday's 6-3 loss to the Detroit Tigers, and has walked 13 in 4 2/3 innings this spring while posting a 15.43 ERA.
His chief competitor for the fifth spot, Daniel McCutchen, has a 2.25 ERA in four innings and has yet to walk a batter.
Yet Russell said Hart isn't lagging behind.
"We're still in the evaluation process," Russell said. "We really like what Kevin can bring, but at some point, he's got to be able to get it done. Daniel is a consistent pitcher - we have options.
"Again, Kevin knows the situation he's in, and he'll keep fighting through it."
Hart was acquired in July from the Chicago Cubs as part of a package for pitchers Tom Gorzelanny and John Grabow. He went 1-8 with a 6.92 ERA in 10 starts with Pittsburgh after going 3-1 with a 2.60 ERA in eight appearances - four starts - with the Cubs.
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Wednesday's loss lowered Pittsburgh's record to 4-9 this spring, which is of little concern to Russell.
"I don't think anybody remembers who won the Grapefruit League or who lost the Grapefruit League. It doesn't matter," he said. "You've got to be prepared to play the season - that's when it counts. These guys are pretty close knit, they've got a great head on their shoulders, they've been working really hard..."
The Pirates won 17 games last spring - their most since 1994 - but lost 99 games during the regular season. Of course, part of the reason for that was their summer-long rebuilding project, when guys such as Freddy Sanchez, Jack Wilson and Nate McLouth were dealt away for prospects.
"Wins and losses don't equate to much during spring training," Russell said. "Is it nice to win? Sure. But we're not putting an emphasis on winning games during spring training - we're putting an emphasis on winning games during the season."