"General manager Neal Huntington said the Pirates are committed to keeping Pedro Alvarez as their starting third baseman, as long as Alvarez keeps his end of the bargain by staying in shape and producing on the field.

Management was not satisfied with Alvarez's conditioning last season, when he hit .191 in 74 games and battled a quadriceps injury. Huntington hoped Alvarez would make up for his lost at-bats by playing winter ball, but Alvarez chose to remain at home and work out on his own.

"We've been in contact with him and his trainer," Huntington said Monday. "We're fairly confident that he's doing what he needs to do. Our initial reports are he's in good shape and is ready to show everyone what he's capable of next year.""