Pirates cut Bryan Morris, 2 others

The Pirates have optioned RHP Bryan Morris and reassigned infielders Ivan De Jesus and Jared Goedert.

The move with Morris came a day after it was reported that he qualifies for a fourth option, almost as if the Pirates were going to keep him until they realized they didn't have to. (And, no, I don't really believe that.) Morris didn't have a great spring; his ERA was 5.14 and he had some control problems. He'll almost certainly be back before too long. De Jesus hit .406 during the spring and seemingly handled shortstop reasonably well, but he was doomed the moment the team acquired John McDonald. De Jesus couldn't match McDonald's age and proven inability to hit. Goedert has had a strong minor league career, but for some reason nobody has ever given him a shot. He didn't hit well during the spring and now, along with De Jesus, will step into a crowded infield situation in Indianapolis.

Meanwhile, Brad Hawpe will continue his quest to get his strikeout rate above 50 percent.