Notes: Pirates reassign Nevin Ashley

The Pirates have reassigned catcher Nevin Ashley to minor-league camp. That's no surprise, obviously -- Russell martin and Tony Sanchez will start the season as the Bucs' catchers. It wouldn't be surprising to see Ashley in Pittsburgh if someone gets hurt before Chris Stewart comes back, however.

Also:

-P- The Astros have claimed Alex Presley off waivers from the Twins. He didn't last long in Minnesota. Both players the Twins got in the Justin Morneau deal are now out of the organization, with the team shipping Duke Welker back to the Pirates for Kris Johnson this offseason.

-P- The Mets also demoted Vic Black after a poor performance in camp, so it doesn't look like either the Mets or Twins are too pleased with what they got from the Pirates in their August trades.