Bob Nutting

BRADENTON, Fla. — After two years of roster upheaval and trading away veteran players, the Pittsburgh Pirates plan to reverse course this season.

That was the message delivered Tuesday by principal owner Bob Nutting and president Frank Coonelly, who addressed a team meeting before the first full-squad workout of spring training.

"The last couple of years there's been the concern of who's going to be with the team in September," Nutting said. "That's much less of a discussion now. This team needs to jell, to set its own standards and perform."

"The expectation level has been raised," Coonelly added. "We believe this team can be the one that turns this franchise around. And instead of being concerned about subtractions from the team, this is a core to which we can add."

Since Coonelly was hired in 2007, the Pirates have jettisoned experienced players such as Jason Bay, Nate McLouth, Jack Wilson, Freddy Sanchez, Adam LaRoche and Matt Capps. The Pirates will begin the 2010 season with a payroll of about $35 million, likely to be the lowest in the majors.

Last season, after Sanchez and Wilson were dealt, the Pirates went 19-41 to close out their 17th straight losing season. Management hopes roster stability will lead to better results this year.

"It's good, knowing we're not going to dismantle it again," third baseman Andy LaRoche said.

Left unresolved, though, is the long-term status of manager John Russell and general manager Neal Huntington.

Last year, one week into spring training, the Pirates extended Russell's contract for 2010. He has a club option for 2011. Huntington is in the final year of a three-year deal.

Coonelly gave what he called "a strong vote of confidence" to Huntington and Russell. However, Nutting and Coonelly declined to discuss the management team's contract status.

"That's not a great topic on the first day of spring training to speculate on who's going to be here," Nutting said. "Organizations are built on long-term (commitments), not speculation. They are built on people who are performing effectively. I have a lot of faith in the leadership that's been put in place, both on the field and in the front office."

Nutting also firmly reiterated his recent rejection of an offer by Pittsburgh Penguins co-owners Ron Burkle and Mario Lemieux to purchase the Pirates.

"It's pretty clear," Nutting said. "The team has not been for sale, the team is not for sale, and the team is not going to be sold."

Notes: Closer Octavio Dotel tweaked a muscle on the left side of his upper body and will be shut down for a few days. Dotel, 36, felt the twinge Sunday, while throwing a bullpen session. The injury is not considered dire and Dotel is not scheduled for an MRI exam. ... Joel Hanrahan yesterday underwent an MRI exam, which showed the inflammation in his right elbow is subsiding. Hanrahan will be examined Thursday by Dr. James Andrews in Pensacola, Fla.