• Players have started checking into Pirate City in Bradenton, Fl., on Sunday for the mini-camp that begins on Monday.

Pirates catching prospect Tony Sanchez was not on the list of those attended, but did check in Sunday morning according to Trib reporter Rob Biertempfel.

He reports: “c Tony Sanchez wasn’t on list of minicamp attendees I was given, but he’s en route to Bradenton.”

“Pirates C Tony Sanchez just checked into Pirate City. “You (media) guys here to get back in shape, too?”

• Former Pirates Double-A manager Matt Walbeck has taken a job to be next manager of the Single-A Rome Braves. Walbeck was fired after the 2010 season. He led the Curve to the Eastern League Championship title and was named Double-A Manager of the Year.

Walbeck said he was “surprised” by the move at the time, but Pirates issued a statement saying, “We appreciate Matt’s efforts and wish him the best in his future endeavors but felt that it was best that we allow him to pursue other opportunities.”

Walbeck had a .543 winning percentage, four manager of the year awards, and three championships in six seasons.

• The Pirates are no longer perusing lefty Brian Fuentes. Rob Biertempfel of the Trib reports: “FA lefty Brian Fuentes would have been good fit in Pirates ‘pen, perhaps even some closing opps, but team is no longer pursuing him. ($$)”