Feb 29, 2008 3 min read

CLEARWATER, Fla. (AP) – Jaret Wright can take a bit of satisfaction out of just one scoreless inning of relief in an exhibition game. Wright, the one-time standout trying to win a job in the Pirates’ bullpen, retired three of the four batters he faced Thursday in an 11-6 win over the Philadelphia Phillies in Pittsburgh’s exhibition opener.

That success represented a step forward after Wright’s lost season with the Baltimore Orioles in 2007.

Wright made three starts for the Orioles at the beginning of last season after being acquired from the New York Yankees in an offseason trade. He then missed the remainder of the season due of shoulder trouble.

Wright didn’t need surgery, but admitted it was a frustrating season.

“I’m a competitor and it’s tough for me to sit on the sidelines while others are competing,” Wright said. “That’s why it was fun to go out there and face hitters from another team again. It was a good feeling.”

Wright caught the eye of Pirates manager John Russell.

“I thought Jaret threw real well, especially for his first time out and working out of the bullpen after starting most of his career,” Russell said.

The 32-year-old Wright is in the Pirates camp on a minor-league contract that will pay him $800,000 if he makes the major-league team. He can also earn up to $1.75 million in performance bonuses.

With at least three spots open in the bullpen and the need for a power right-hander, Wright seemingly has a decent chance to make the team. For his part, Wright is happy to be in a major-league camp after receiving no other offers in the offseason.

“I know how teams are with guys who are injured, so I understood that it might be tough to get a job,” Wright said. “I’m just thankful the Pirates offered me the chance to come to spring training. They made me feel like they really wanted me and had a legitimate chance to help them.”

No one has ever questioned Wright’s ability to compete.

The Cleveland Indians gave Wright, then a 21-year-old rookie, the start for Game 7 of the 1997 World Series against the Florida Marlins. He nearly delivered the franchise’s first championship since 1948. Wright allowed just one run and two hits in 6 1-3 innings before the Marlins rallied to win in 11 innings.

Wright also won 12 games for the Indians in 1998, his first full major-league season. He was a 15-game winner for Atlanta in 2004 after the Braves claimed him off waivers from San Diego the previous year. He also notched 11 wins for the Yankees two years ago.

However, shoulder woes and other injuries have slowed what once looked to be a potentially great career.

“I’ve some bad things happen, but I’ve had a lot of good things happen, too,” Wright said. “I’ve pitched in the playoffs and the seventh game of the World Series. A lot of people dream of doing something like that.

“I was pretty cocky when I was a young guy but the bad times have made me mature and a better person.”

Copyright Associated Press 2008