Notebook: McClendon gets new view
CHICAGO -- The view from above was an unfamiliar one for Pirates manager Lloyd McClendon on Saturday afternoon.
McClendon, serving the first of a two-game suspension, watched the Pirates' 6-1 loss to the Chicago Cubs from a booth on the press-box level at Wrigley Field.
"They say the farther you are away from the game, the easier it looks," McClendon said. "It looks slower from up there."
When McClendon served a one-game suspension May 14 in San Francisco, he watched the game from his dugout office. He preferred a direct view of the playing field yesterday.
Before ascending to the press box, McClendon met with bench coach Pete Mackanin to formulate game strategy.
McClendon, who was suspended for his argument and confrontation with St. Louis Cardinals manager Tony La Russa, also received a few timely gifts courtesy of outfielder Craig Wilson.
Wilson presented his manager with books titled "The Anger Workbook" and "Getting the Best of Your Anger." He also gave McClendon a Zen rock garden.
"I keep telling you guys that he's the zaniest guy in that locker room," McClendon said.
No days off
Catcher Jason Kendall started his 10th consecutive game yesterday and hasn't had a day off since May 27, the day before backup Humberto Cota was placed on the disabled list.
McClendon plans on relying on his catcher, who started both games of a doubleheader to start this streak, through the series this week against Texas.
"He'll get Thursday off," McClendon said.
Reminded that Thursday is the Pirates' next scheduled off day, McClendon laughed.
"I'm giving all my guys that day off," he said.
House activated
Catching prospect J.R. House was activated from the disabled list yesterday at Class AAA Nashville. He missed 10 games after spraining a left knee ligament during a home-plate collision.
House was the defending Pacific Coast League player of the week and was on an 11-for-21 tear when he was injured.
No average Joe
The Pirates have handed Cubs closer Joe Borowski a blown save in his past two save opportunities against them. The 2-1 victory they pulled out Friday was even more improbable considering the way it was accomplished.
The rally started with a one-out double by Jack Wilson, and the Pirates tied the score on Craig Wilson's two-out single. Entering their at-bats, the Wilsons were a combined 0 for 23 against Borowski. Jack Wilson was 0 for 13; Craig Wilson was 0 for 10.
Ready to go
Pitcher Kip Wells threw off the mound for the second consecutive day as part of his normal between-starts routine. Wells also tested his right middle finger that was irritated in his previous start.
"His finger is fine," McClendon said.
Wells is scheduled to start Monday night in Texas.
