MINOR-LEAGUE REPORT Monday's results INDIANAPOLIS (61-60) lost to Louisville, 12-3. LHP Michael Tejera (7-3, 4.08) allowed seven runs and six hits in 4 1/3 innings. RHP Jesse Chavez (4.23) allowed four runs in two innings of relief. LF Michael Ryan (.267) went 2 for 4 with a double. 1B Steve Pearce (.346) went 1 for 4. SS Brian Bixler (.281) went 0 for 4. ALTOONA (63-55) was off. LYNCHBURG (51-65) beat Myrtle Beach, 5-2. RHP Jose Diaz (3-1, 4.30) allowed two runs in six innings. SS Angel Gonzalez (.238) went 2 for 5 with a double. HICKORY (54-55) lost to Columbus, 5-2. RHP Dustin Craig (3-3, 3.29) allowed four runs, three earned, in five innings. 2B Jim Negrych (.271) went 2 for 2 with two walks. STATE COLLEGE (26-26) was off. BRADENTON (19-25) beat the Orioles, 6-3, in 10 innings. LHP Eddy Nunez (3-2, 3.35) allowed three runs, two earned, in 4 1/3 innings. 1B John Fitzpatrick (.257) hit his ninth home run and went 1 for 4 with a walk.

The Pirates' 2007 season must run its course, but early hints about the makeup of the 2008 team are surfacing.

One arose in the second game last night against San Francisco when Josh Phelps made his first start at catcher since Oct. 5, 2001 for Toronto against Cleveland.

Phelps, who started at first base Sunday in San Francisco, also can play the outfield.

"He looks more and more like a real nice piece on the bench," manager Jim Tracy said.

The Pirates acquired Phelps on waivers from the New York Yankees June 22. Phelps caught an inning for the Yankees this season April 22 at Boston.

"One of the intriguing things about him we considered back [in June] was that he had caught in the past," Tracy said. "You want resources and options."

And no manager likes resources and options more than does Tracy.

His ideal five-player bench would include at least one player who can play five or six positions.

"And two multiple-resource guys would be beautiful," Tracy said.

Phelps has done a lot of catching in the bullpen since joining the Pirates.

"He looks terrific receiving the ball," Tracy said.

What about the other stuff, though? Blocking balls in the dirt? Throwing out would-be base stealers?

"That might not be pretty," Tracy conceded. "But I'm not expecting miracles. I'm really not. But this guy completely understands the environment and his role. He gets it. That's what you love about the guy. He's a pro."

And professionals generally make pretty good bench guys.

Nady has 'small' tear

Outfielder Xavier Nady yesterday had an MRI on his strained left hamstring.

"He has a small partial tear," general manager Dave Littlefield said. "He's still day-to-day. His coming back [to full-time duty] will be based on how he feels."

Doumit's future position?

So let's say Phelps becomes the Pirates' backup catcher to Ronny Paulino next season.

That could mean Ryan Doumit becomes the regular right fielder.

"I can't believe how well he's played right field," Tracy said of Doumit, who came up as a catcher. "He's a lot further along at this point than I ever thought he'd be. He's grown on me since early last year."

Tracy loves Doumit's arm.

"His aggressiveness to the ball and that arm puts opposing third-base coaches back on their heels," Tracy said.

La Russa on Jocketty

Walt Jocketty, the St. Louis Cardinals' general manager who is under contract through 2008, has been mentioned as a possible candidate for the Pirates' soon-to-be-vacant chief executive officer position.

In that regard, Cardinals manager Tony La Russa, whose contract expires after this season, had some interesting comments in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch Sunday.

"If at any time, they have a better opportunity, our friendship doesn't dictate they stay," said La Russa, who has been a friend of Jocketty for years. "I have great respect and am very friendly with Walt, but I want what's best for Walt. Nobody is tied to here.

"He's been here 13 years. Sometimes, you might need a change. I can't speak for Walt. He's got more roots here than I do. If Walt's got something better out there, I would say, 'You do whatever's best for you."'

Jocketty told the St. Louis paper Saturday that he expects to be with the Cardinals next year.

Gorzelanny shares honor

Pirates left-hander Tom Gorzelanny, who pitched his first major-league complete game in his 5-0 win in San Francisco Sunday, was named National League co-Player of the Week yesterday. Gorzelanny shared the honor with Colorado's Troy Tulowitzki.

In addition to his shutout, Gorzelanny also beat Arizona last Tuesday.

"Tuesday, he was very good," Tracy said.

"Sunday was special. He has a chance to put together a very special year."

Award for Van Benschoten

John Van Benschoten, 0-5 with a 7.36 ERA in seven starts for the Pirates from mid-June through mid-July, yesterday was named International League Pitcher of the Week.

The right-hander won both his starts for Class AAA Indianapolis, allowing just one run in 13 2/3 innings. On the season for Indianapolis, Van Benschoten is 9-4 with a 2.21 earned run average.