Jack Wilson's head was spinning for two reasons yesterday.

One, a flurry of personnel moves in Detroit raised fresh issues about the possibility that he will be traded to the Tigers.

Two, he remained woozy from the asthma attack and heat exhaustion that knocked him out of the game -- and nearly off his feet -- Thursday night.

MINOR-LEAGUE REPORT Friday's results INDIANAPOLIS (63-61) lost at Durham, 3-0. RHP John Van Benschoten (9-5, 2.37) allowed three runs and seven hits in 5 1/3 innings. He struck out six and walked three. LHP Dave Davidson (0.00), making his Class AAA debut, pitched 1 2/3 innings of scoreless relief and struck out three. Also making their debuts, CF Andrew McCutchen (.333) went 1 for 3, and C Neil Walker (.000) went 0 for 2 with a hit batsman. RF Steve Pearce (.362) and SS Brian Bixler (.279) each went 0 for 4. ALTOONA (64-58) lost to Erie, 5-4, in 10 innings. LHP Josh Shortslef (3-12, 4.45) allowed four runs, two earned, in six innings. 1B Jason Delaney (.263) went 1 for 5 with a double. LYNCHBURG (53-67) lost at Wilmington, 3-0. LHP Kyle Bloom (9-10, 4.93) allowed one run and two hits in seven innings and struck out 10. LF Jamie Romak (.235) went 1 for 4 with a double. HICKORY (54-58) lost at Lakewood, 5-0. RHP Matt McSwain (2-1, 4.60) allowed two runs in 5 2/3 innings. 2B Jim Negrych (.278) went 2 for 4. STATE COLLEGE (27-27) beat Williamsport, 7-4. RHP Nic Suero (3-3, 2.83) allowed one run in six innings. LHP Danny Moskos (5.68) allowed three runs, two earned, and four hits in 12/3 innings of relief. He struck out one and walked one. C Andrew Walker (.317) went 4 for 5 with two doubles and two RBIs. BRADENTON (19-28) were swept in a doubleheader by the Reds, 14-11. In the first game, LHP Rudy Owens (0-4, 7.31) allowed five runs in four-plus innings. In the second game, RHP Bill Kelly (0-0, 9.64) allowed four runs, three earned, in 3 1/3 innings. DH Chris Duffy (.667), making his first rehabilitation appearance in the opening game, went 2 for 3.

"Still a little bit out of it," the Pirates' shortstop described himself after he sought and received permission to arrive at the ballpark a little late yesterday afternoon, then was held out of the starting lineup. "It's happened before, but this one was tough."

Wilson, an asthmatic who always keeps an inhaler handy but seldom uses it, was reaching for it often Thursday after making three diving stops in the infield, sprinting to beat out a fielder's choice and scoring from first on a double.

After that at-bat, he needed help to get through the dugout tunnel and back to the air-conditioned clubhouse, out of the 82-degree heat and humidity.

"It was the heat more than anything, I think," Wilson said.

Manager Jim Tracy said the team would be cautious with Wilson but did not set a timetable for his return to the lineup. He had a pinch-hit double in the ninth inning last night.

On the other front: Detroit designated for assignment Craig Monroe, an outfielder the Pirates long have coveted and, possibly, sought at some point in the Wilson talks last month. That designation meant the Tigers have 10 days to trade, release or outright Monroe. Among several other moves, Detroit also recalled Ramon Santiago, a glove-first shortstop, from Class AAA Toledo.

What all that meant for Wilson was not immediately clear.

The Detroit Free Press reported that Monroe has cleared waivers -- as has Wilson -- so it could be a sign that the teams are still talking trade. Or, the recall of Santiago could mean that the Tigers have given up on a deal and will use him to spell defensively deficient Carlos Guillen at shortstop rather than Wilson.

One source on the Pirates' side strongly indicated the former is more likely than the latter, that the Wilson talks remain alive in advance of Major League Baseball's Aug. 31 deadline to add players to playoff rosters.

Appeal for flood relief
All weekend, the Pirates will collect money outside PNC Park for the American Red Cross' relief fund for victims of the recent local flooding.

Donations will be accepted at two locations on Federal Street and the home-plate entrance on General Robinson Street, 4-7 p.m. today and 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. tomorrow.

"It's important that we do whatever we can to help our neighbors in need," principal owner Bob Nutting said. "We appreciate the generosity of our fans and thank them in advance for what they'll be able to contribute."

Buried treasure
As expected, reliever Masumi Kuwata declined the Pirates' assignment to Class AAA Indianapolis after clearing waivers. Because of that, the team placed him on the minor-league restricted list, which means Kuwata will not be paid. "He wants to go home and consider his options," general manager Dave Littlefield said.

Tracy said Tony Armas will stay in the rotation and Shane Youman will go to the bullpen. Armas lasted only 2²/₃ innings Thursday and gave up five runs.

Center fielder Chris Duffy saw his first game action since June 28, serving as designated hitter for Bradenton of the Gulf Coast League yesterday and going 2 for 3 as the leadoff batter. He is expected to rejoin the Pirates by month's end.