MILWAUKEE - Fans sometimes boo for the strangest reasons. Last year, the Milwaukee Brewers faithful took to booing Jose Hernandez when he did not strike out. Hernandez, who challenged the single-season strikeout record, became the poster boy for everything that was wrong with the Brewers in 2002 when they lost a franchise-record 106 games. Despite being named to the National League All-Star team, Hernandez was singled out for striking out. The jeering prompted then-manager Jerry Royster to bench Hernandez during the team's final home games over the past two weeks. Hernandez rarely played on the road, either, and finished with 188 strikeouts, coming within one of Bobby Bonds' record. Hernandez played in a career-high 152 games, but he sat out eight of the final 11 Brewers games. The fans apparently hadn't forgiven Hernandez because he was booed again last night when he returned to Miller Park for the first time in a visiting uniform. Before the game, Hernandez wasn't sure what kind of reception he would get, although he did have an inkling it wouldn't be a positive one. "We've got to wait and see," he said, smiling. "They are fans. When they pay to come in here, they can do whatever they want to do." Hernandez isn't sure why he drew the ire of the Brewers fans. Last year, his third with the Brewers, he established career highs in batting average (.288), hits (151) and walks (52). He led all NL shortstops with 24 homers and was second with 73 RBI. He became the first Brewers shortstop to record back-to-back 20-homer seasons and played in the infamous All-Star tie at Miller Park. "People always think about the strikeouts, not that I played in the All-Star Game or had a good season," Hernandez said. "They always think about the negative points. It's no big deal to me. I'm just another play on a different team now." Until yesterday, Hernandez had managed to avoid this place. He signed as a free agent with the Colorado Rockies, but he was traded to the Chicago Cubs about a week before the Rockies were scheduled to visit here in June. The Cubs didn't play here either during Hernandez's month with the team. Hernandez was traded July 22 to the Pirates. With the Pirates, Hernandez has played in every game since the trade and he has slightly reduced his strikeout ratio, fanning 28 times in as many games. Before the trade, he struck out 121 times in 92 games. "They've thrown me out there and let me play every day," Hernandez said. "I feel more comfortable at the plate, I'm being more patient, I'm seeing the ball better and I'm putting it in play more." ARIZONA BOUND The Pirates will have seven minor-leaguers participate in the developmental Arizona Fall League, including catcher J.R. House, who has recently returned to Class AA Altoona after battling right elbow problems. Three players are with Class AAA Nashville: pitchers Jeff Bennett and Frank Brooks and outfielder Rich Thompson. Brooks was acquired July 20 from the Philadelphia Phillies for closer Mike Williams. From Altoona, the Pirates will send pitcher Mike Johnston and outfielder Chris Duffy in addition to House. Class A Lynchburg catcher Ryan Doumit is on the taxi squad and can only play on Wednesdays and Saturdays. All seven players will be on the Mesa Desert Dogs entry in the six-team league. Class A Hickory manager Tony Beasley will serve as manager of the Desert Dogs. HELP FOR NASHVILLE Nashville, which is clinging to a 4.5-game division lead as the Pacific Coast League season winds down, has been given some help for a roster depleted by call-ups and injuries. The Pirates acquired 28-year-old infielder Jorge Toca from the New York Mets organization for cash considerations or a player to be named. Toca, a Cuban defector, batted .274 with 30 doubles, seven homers and 52 RBI in 115 RBI at Class AAA Norfolk. NO DECISION ON TORRES The Pirates have not decided whether to activate pitcher Salomon Torres (strained right hamstring) from the disabled list this weekend or next week when they return home. Torres was scheduled to have an easy throwing day yesterday, but he threw 20 pitches off the mound so he could work on his command. "I'm ready to go," Torres said. Manager Lloyd McClendon would prefer to use Torres in the rotation. That means Torres could replace Nelson Figueroa before his next start. Another option would be to have Torres replace Brian Meadows. WHAT YOU TALKING ABOUT? Unless plans change, the Pirates are scheduled to face Florida Marlins rookie sensation Dontrelle Willis on Thursday night at PNC Park. Willis, who is 11-3, started last night in San Francisco. After going 9-1 with a 2.08 ERA in the first half, Willis is 2-2 with a 6.10 ERA since the All-Star break. Fatigue has been cited as a factor, which could lead the Marlins to skip Willis' turn occasionally down the stretch. WAIVER WORKINGS According to ESPN.com, pitcher Jeff D'Amico and outfielders Reggie Sanders and Brian Giles haven't even been placed on waivers yet this month, a necessity if they are going to be involved in a trade this month. To nobody's surprise, catcher Jason Kendall has cleared waivers.

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