The Pirates have improved at the basics since last season, general manager Dave Littlefield said, but there remains work to do. "I think it's better," he said yesterday of the team's fundamental play, which has been a central -- and largely negative -- issue of late. "When I look at our bunting, frankly, it's a lot better. And there are other areas. But, when you go through a period of losing a few in a row and some games get away, those are the things that get highlighted."
Pirates Notebook: Littlefield says team's basics are 'better'