V.W.H. Campbell, Post-Gazette The boss ... Is he staying or isn't he? The likely answer is that Kevin McClatchy will be back in 2007. Click photo for larger image.

Not anytime soon, apparently.

At some point in the week ahead, the Pirates' managing general partner, whose contract expires this year, will make an announcement regarding his status. And when he does, according to some close to him, he is highly likely to say he will stay in his current role and retain his share of the team's ownership.

McClatchy himself has dropped no hints, saying only that he will discuss the matter publicly after the season ends. That end will come this afternoon, but nothing is expected today.

It is widely known that McClatchy was troubled by the Pirates' 30-60 first half, and that might have caused him to consider an end to his 11-year term as owner -- or a reduction in his role -- around that time. But the Pirates' marked improvement since then has rejuvenated not only his optimism about the team's near-term fortunes but also his passion to remain a part of it.

As one team employee put it, "You can see how much he wants to see this group win."

Another called him "very excited by what we've done lately."

McClatchy made known his feelings about the poor first half June 25, when, in an interview, he described himself as "extremely disappointed" and said, "There's accountability that will go everywhere, and I will be at the top of that list."

In recent weeks, though, he has sounded unfailingly upbeat about the Pirates.

"What I see here is the second-youngest team in baseball," he said two weeks ago. "And, from what was seen in the second half, it's starting to jell. They needed to get out there and play together, which they did. I see some talent."

Perhaps more telling, he also has referred repeatedly -- and enthusiastically -- to his role in Major League Baseball's upcoming talks toward a new collective bargaining agreement. He is a member of the labor committee, a role he long had coveted, and he could not serve in that capacity if he no longer were an owner.

This much is certain: McClatchy's decision is strictly up to him. The Pirates' other owners, including chairman Bob Nutting, have told him they want him to stay.

Top prospects honored

The Pirates yesterday named outfielder Andrew McCutchen their minor-league player of the year and Tom Gorzelanny their minor-league pitcher of the year.

McCutchen, 19, batted .294 with 17 home runs, 74 RBIs and 23 steals, spending most of the season with low Class A Hickory.

Gorzelanny, 24, was 6-5 with a 2.35 ERA in 16 starts with Class AAA Indianapolis before entrenching himself in the Pirates' rotation.

They will be recognized in a pregame ceremony today.

Reds feeling blue

The Cincinnati Reds learned about three hours before taking the field last night that their improbable run at a playoff spot was over. St. Louis' 3-2 afternoon victory against Milwaukee eliminated them.

Most preseason publications picked the Reds to finish last in the Central Division.

"Coming out of spring training, if you said we'd be in this with two days left, it would have been considered a miracle," first baseman Scott Hatteberg said. "I call this a huge success."

Call him Mr. Finale

Shane Youman, the Pirates' starter today, is no stranger to season finales: He closed the regular season last year for Class AA Altoona, then did likewise in September for Indianapolis.

"I'm used to it," he said.

Buried treasure

Closer Salomon Torres made his 93rd appearance last night and needs to pitch today to match Kent Tekulve's franchise record for a season.

Second baseman Jose Castillo was out of the lineup again last night, seventh time for that this month. He batted .087 -- 6 for 69 -- in September.

Reliever Matt Capps will lead all major-league rookies with his 84 appearances.