FORT MYERS, Fla. - With only six days of camp remaining, nearly all the Pittsburgh Pirates' spring training questions are answered. The latest issue resolved: Tike Redman is their starting center fielder.

Redman was a starter last year, but had to win his job again - Rob Mackowiak was his main competition - following an up-and-down 2004 season in which Redman started slowly, finished fast but lacked the on-base skills needed to be a top-of-the-lineup hitter.

That's why Redman is likely to bat sixth early in the season, with right fielder Matt Lawton leading off, followed by shortstop Jack Wilson, left fielder Jason Bay, first baseman Craig Wilson, third baseman Ty Wigginton, Redman, second baseman Jose Castillo and catchers Benito Santiago or Humberto Cota.

Daryle Ward also figures to start frequently at first base, but is bothered by soreness in his left side that has sidelined him for a week. He is not yet ready to resume taking batting practice or play in exhibition games.

Bay is getting closer to playing again after getting some at-bats Sunday in a minor league intrasquad game at Pirate City in Bradenton. It was Bay's first game-related action since he bruised a bone in his left wrist diving for a fly ball March 8, and he expects to play in an exhibition game in the next day or two.

Manager Lloyd McClendon expects Bay to be fine for opening day next Monday as he gets some exhibition game at-bats this week.

It became apparent last week that Redman would start in center, as nearly all of Mackowiak's starts have come at other positions. Mackowiak, the Pirates' most versatile player, figures to start about three times a week or more because he can play all three outfield positions, third base and can also fill in at first base.

"I want to win as many games as possible," McClendon said Sunday. "We're going to play whoever is producing - whoever is hot."

Wigginton started at first base for the second day in a row Sunday because the Pirates aren't certain if Ward will be ready for opening day. If he's not, the left handed-hitting Mackowiak could start at third and Wigginton at first on days McClendon wants to get an extra left-handed bat in his lineup.

McClendon may choose to use that lineup in the opener since Craig Wilson barely hits Brewers starter Ben Sheets and thus may not start.

Redman hit .280 with eight homers and 51 RBI in 155 games last season, but wasn't assured of a starting job when camp began. His run-producing numbers were low for a batter who hit sixth, seventh or eighth 94 times last season, and his on-base percentage was only .250 during the 39 games he led off.

Redman's spotty defense also was a concern, but McClendon said, "I think everyone (on the coaching staff) agrees we've seen some improvement."

Redman and Mackowiak both are left-handed hitters, so McClendon can't platoon them.

With center field and the No. 5 starter now resolved - left-hander Dave Williams starts the season in the rotation - the main unresolved issue is the 12th and final reliever.

Right-handers Jose Mesa, Salomon Torres, Brian Meadows and Ryan Vogelsong and left-handers Mike Gonzalez and John Grabow are set in the bullpen, meaning non-roster right-handers Rick White and Mark Corey effectively are competing. Corey hasn't allowed a run in 8

innings over seven games this spring, but had a relatively high 4.91 ERA in 54 games with Pittsburgh the last two seasons.

White has been an effective reliever for much of the last 10 years with eight teams - including the 1994-95 seasons with Pittsburgh - though he had a 5.29 ERA in 59 games with Cleveland last season. He pitched Sunday for the first time in 11 days because of a strained olique muscle, throwing a scoreless fifth inning. Corey followed with a scoreless seventh inning.