Hart leading candidate for final rotation spot

Per the Trib’s Rob Biertempfel:

And the Pirates’ No. 5 starter is … Kevin Hart?

It sure sounded that way today, listening to manager John Russell chat with reporters after the second day of spring training workouts.

…

This afternoon, however, Russell mentioned Hart when talking about the starting pitchers, then listed McCutchen among the bullpen crew.

Hart added:

We’re working on some new mechanics and a new windup, so it’s really just muscle memory. This offseason, I was in front of the mirror every night, working on getting to the same points. You have to train your muscles to repeat the motions.

Hart has apparently impressed management in minicamp and the first few days of Spring Training. It would be nice if he could rebound from his dreadful Pirates debut last season.