BRADENTON, Fla. - Coming off their first playoff appearance in 21 years, the Pittsburgh Pirates were eager to start spring training. Several players have been training regularly at the Pirate City complex since early January. When 36 pitchers and catchers held their first official workout on Thursday, a half-dozen position players were there, too. The Pirates won 94 games last season and advanced to the NL division series, their first post-season berth since 1992. They were eliminated by the St. Louis Cardinals in the decisive Game 5. "Were still hungry," catcher Russell Martin said. "We did some special things last year, but everybody was disappointed with how it finished. I dont know what all the experts are saying, but I consider myself an expert and I think were going to do better than we did last year." They will have to do it without veteran right-hander A.J. Burnett, who has agreed to a one-year, $16 million deal with the Philadelphia Phillies. Burnett made 61 starts and won 26 games over the past two seasons with the Pirates. After hearing that Burnett chose not to return to Pittsburgh, Martin sent a text message to his former teammate. "I wished him well," Martin said. "I hope he stays healthy and has a good season ... and, hopefully, well meet him in the playoffs and beat him." Many players admitted they were surprised and disappointed about Burnetts departure. Others preferred to look ahead. "Weve got to move on," reliever Mark Melancon said. "You cant live in the past. This is a new year and anything can happen." Even without Burnett, the Pirates have the makings of a solid starting rotation. Left-hander Francisco Liriano, who went 16-8 with a 3.02 ERA, is the likely opening day starter. Gerrit Cole (10-7, 3.22) and Charlie Morton (7-4, 3.26) also return. Wandy Rodriguez missed most of last season due to a sore left forearm. He is scheduled to throw a bullpen session on Friday and is expected to be ready for the start of the season. "Physically, hes coming along very well," general manager Neal Huntington said. "Were going to take it slow with him this spring, so hes kind of on a different program than the other guys. But, hes healthy and feels good." New arrival Edinson Volquez, who signed a $5 million deal in December, and Jeff Locke could battle for the No. 5 job. The 26-year-old Locke won eight straight starts in the first half of the season and made the NL All-Star team. However, he went 2-5 with a 6.12 ERA over his final 12 starts and was shut down in September. "Making the playoffs last year meant a lot to us," Locke said. "The fans in Pittsburgh and the rest of the baseball world hadnt seen it in a while, but I know the 25 guys in our clubhouse knew it was something we could do. Were not under anybodys radar anymore, but I think the 25 guys this year will be up to the challenge." NOTES: The Pirates signed LHP Yao-Hsun Yang to a minor league contract, which includes an invitation to spring training. Yang, 31, made nine outings last year in the minor leagues in Japan. Cheap Nike Shoes China Free Shipping .Best moustache: How can we not give this to Lanny McDonald? Check out the duster for yourself. Cheap Nike Shoes Wholesale China . -- The Los Angeles Angels have agreed to a minor league contract with reliever Brandon Lyon that includes an invitation to their big league camp for spring training. http://www.discountshoesnike.com/. Duhamel, from Lively, Ont., and Radford, from Balmertown, Ont., were third with 210.84 points. Teammates Kirsten Moore-Towers of St. Catharines, Ont., and Dylan Moscovitch of Toronto were fourth. Duhamel and Radford, who were seventh at the Sochi Olympics, also won bronze at last years world championships in London, Ont. Nike Shoes Wholesale Free Shipping . Mako Vunipola was promoted from the reserves, with Matt Mullan called up to the bench on Thursday. "It is important that Joe is with his partner at this exciting time," England coach Stuart Lancaster said. Discount Nike Shoes Website . The 23-year-old restricted free agent appeared in all 48 games last season, finishing second among all Sabres skaters with 15 goals and 34 points.With the NHL Draft coming up on June 27 and free agency opening on July 1, discussions between NHL general managers are already heating up towards a busy off-season. Each day, TSN.ca provides the latest rumours, reports and speculation from around the NHL beat. Kane A Fit For Oilers? TSN Hockey Insider Bob McKenzie tweeted on Monday that the Winnipeg Jets WPG could be much more open to considering a trade for any player, including forward Evander Kane. That said, David Staples of The Edmonton Journal suggests that the Oilers could look into acquiring Kane for another winger who may benefit from a change in scenery. "Would a Nail Yakupov for Kane deal make sense?," he wrote. "A risk for a risk? Of course, having just lost Alexander Burmistrov to the KHL, the Jets might not be so keen on picking up another young Russian attacker. Of course, most Oilers fans would much rather see Sam Gagner and spare parts moved for Kane, but Winnipeg is OK at centre with Bryan Little and Mark Scheifele. A Winnipeg/Edmonton deal certainly doesnt seem out of the question here. A bit of logic to it." Alfies Answer? Helene St. James of The Detroit Free Press writes that the Red Wings are waiting to hear whether Daniel Alfredsson wants to play another season and want him back if he does. St. James also writes that the team are trying to trade forward Jordin Tootoo, who has one year left on a three-year, $5.7-million contract. Tootooo spent most of this season with Grand Rapids of the AHL.dddddddddddd Washingtons Playbook As Chuck Gormley of csnwashington.com writes, new Washington Capitals GM Brian MacLellan would like to go with Braden Holtby as his No. 1 goalie next season and add a veteran backup either through trade or free agency so that Philipp Grubauer can develop further in the AHL. MacLellan adds that the Capitals are still in talks with pending UFA Mikhail Grabovski and would also like to explore Evgeny Kuznetsov as the the teams No. 2 center. "Were going to have to develop one of our young guys to play second-line centre," he said. "I think its hard to add in free agency." Also of note, MacLellan says its a priority to get defenceman Mike Green "on track" and that there were circumstances that hindered his performance last season. "I guess Im open to trading anybody," he told Gormley, "but as of right now I think wed like to bring Mike Green back." MacLellan also said he would try to land a top defenceman through a trade or free agency. Centre Of Attention Adrian Dater of The Denver Post tweeted that the Colorado Avalanche say they will continue to try and re-sign pending restricted free agent Ryan OReilly. OReillys agent added there is "nothing to report." Dater also wrote that the Avs may be thinking that OReilly is a $5 million player. He made $6.5 million this past season. ' ' '