Pirates group OK: One day after investor Frank Fuhrer, a non-voting member of the Pirates' board of directors, pulled out his

$5 million stake in the club, CEO and managing general partner Kevin McClatchy insisted Thursday the new ownership group is not in financial trouble. Fuhrer, a Pittsburgh businessman, decided to leave the group that purchased the Pirates for $90 million on Feb. 14 on Tuesday, citing his belief that he was unsure the Pirates could survive in a small market. McClatchy admitted the Pirates will lose $7 million-$8 million this season but said ``we're making good progress and are headed in the right direction. This is only year one for us. Last year, we were last in the league, last in attendance, last in everything. It's not going to change overnight.''

Fingers crossed: LHP Tom Glavine is staying in touch with the players union and staying positive as the owners prepare to make their last offer to reach a settlement today.