Bullpen race wide open in Bucs camp

Smoker could make Pirates' 'pen BRADENTON, Fla. -- Less than a week into Spring Training, the Pirates' rotation is all but officially set. They have one open spot in their outfield. They might have to make a tough decision or two as they fill out their bench.

But what about their bullpen? That race looks to be wide open. The Bucs send waves of pitchers to the four practice mounds at Pirate City each day, and every group contains at least one candidate to crack the Opening Day bullpen. They have plenty of options, which should translate to depth in the long run.

"We've got a lot of choices to look at this spring," manager Clint Hurdle said. "We've got a lot of interesting arms to look at. … We…