NL East - Pirates: Robinson wants to start

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[i:7f67c8acbf]originally printed: The Sporting News, February 10, 1986[/i:7f67c8acbf]

Pittsburgh Pirates righthander Don Robinson has talked with General Manager Syd Thrift and plans to meet with Manager Jim Leyland.

"I told Syd I'd like a chance to get back in the starting rotation, and I plan to tell Jim the same thing," said Robinson, who has been with the Pirates since 1978, when he was voted The Sporting News National League Rookie Pitcher of the Year.

Robinson, 28, is now the senior member of the club. While his status doesn't give him the right to make demands, he hopes the new management will give him a chance to start rather than work out of the bullpen, as he did most of the past two seasons.

"I was in the bullpen two years ago because we had depth in starting pitchers and I was coming off a shoulder operation," he said.

Robinson never disputed any decisions made by former manager Chuck Tanner, to whom he remains loyal.

"Chuck gave me my chance to pitch in the big leagues and always was in my corner," Robinson said. "When I was hurt, he always had confidence I would come back.

Robinson has had four operations on his right shoulder and last October underwent arthroscopic surgery to repair ligaments and remove scar tissue in his right knee.

Robinson was 5-11, including a 1-4 mark in six starts. In 1985, he opened the season in the bullpen and was moved into the rotation in July. When John Candelaria was dealt to California in August, Robinson returned to the bullpen.

"I believe there's a spot for me as a starter now, and I just hope I can convince Jim that I deserve a chance at a starting job," Robinson said. "I've done both and never complained, but I'd really like to forget relief for this year and get a chance to pitch in the rotation."

*****

Ken Curcio, who had been assistant to club treasurer Doug McCormick, has been named the club's financial vice-president..... Outfielder Barry Bonds, son of former major league outfielder Bobby Bonds and the Pirates' first-round selection in last June's amateur draft, is among seven non-roster players invited to spring training. Bonds hit .299 with Prince William (Carolina) last year. Other invitees are outfielder Trench Davis, infielders Cecil Espy and Ron Wotus, catchers Burk Goldthorn and Tom Prince and righthander Barry Jones.