BRADENTON, Fla. - Coming off their first playoff appearance in 21 years, the Pittsburgh Pirates were eager to start spring training. Several players have been training regularly at the Pirate City complex since early January. When 36 pitchers and catchers held their first official workout on Thursday, a half-dozen position players were there, too. The Pirates won 94 games last season and advanced to the NL division series, their first post-season berth since 1992. They were eliminated by the St. Louis Cardinals in the decisive Game 5. "Were still hungry," catcher Russell Martin said. "We did some special things last year, but everybody was disappointed with how it finished. I dont know what all the experts are saying, but I consider myself an expert and I think were going to do better than we did last year." They will have to do it without veteran right-hander A.J. Burnett, who has agreed to a one-year, $16 million deal with the Philadelphia Phillies. Burnett made 61 starts and won 26 games over the past two seasons with the Pirates. After hearing that Burnett chose not to return to Pittsburgh, Martin sent a text message to his former teammate. "I wished him well," Martin said. "I hope he stays healthy and has a good season ... and, hopefully, well meet him in the playoffs and beat him." Many players admitted they were surprised and disappointed about Burnetts departure. Others preferred to look ahead. "Weve got to move on," reliever Mark Melancon said. "You cant live in the past. This is a new year and anything can happen." Even without Burnett, the Pirates have the makings of a solid starting rotation. Left-hander Francisco Liriano, who went 16-8 with a 3.02 ERA, is the likely opening day starter. Gerrit Cole (10-7, 3.22) and Charlie Morton (7-4, 3.26) also return. Wandy Rodriguez missed most of last season due to a sore left forearm. He is scheduled to throw a bullpen session on Friday and is expected to be ready for the start of the season. "Physically, hes coming along very well," general manager Neal Huntington said. "Were going to take it slow with him this spring, so hes kind of on a different program than the other guys. But, hes healthy and feels good." New arrival Edinson Volquez, who signed a $5 million deal in December, and Jeff Locke could battle for the No. 5 job. The 26-year-old Locke won eight straight starts in the first half of the season and made the NL All-Star team. However, he went 2-5 with a 6.12 ERA over his final 12 starts and was shut down in September. "Making the playoffs last year meant a lot to us," Locke said. "The fans in Pittsburgh and the rest of the baseball world hadnt seen it in a while, but I know the 25 guys in our clubhouse knew it was something we could do. Were not under anybodys radar anymore, but I think the 25 guys this year will be up to the challenge." NOTES: The Pirates signed LHP Yao-Hsun Yang to a minor league contract, which includes an invitation to spring training. Yang, 31, made nine outings last year in the minor leagues in Japan. Jason Pierre-Paul Jersey . New York secured second place in the Metropolitan Division when the Philadelphia Flyers lost at Tampa Bay later Thursday. The Rangers will face either the Flyers or Columbus in the opening round of the post-season. The Rangers struggled throughout against the lowly Sabres and goalie Matt Hackett, who played in just his seventh NHL game of the season. Carlton Davis Buccaneers Jersey . Each day, TSN.ca provides the latest rumours, reports and speculation from around the NHL beat. Defensive Depth TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun is reporting the Toronto Maple Leafs have considerable interest in unrestricted free-agent defenceman Dan Boyle. http://www.authenticbuccaneersstoreonlin...-Womens-Jersey/. - Young and old. Custom Buccaneers Jerseys . -- After a year spent travelling the world, Brooks Koepka suddenly is in a position to play a lot more golf at home. Vinny Curry Jersey .ca. Kerry, In the closing minutes of the second period of Game 4 between Pittsburgh and Columbus there were the remnants of two broken sticks behind the Pittsburgh net.Whered they play? Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum ArenaWhen they were active? 1967-76Playoff appearances: 2Stanley Cup Victories: 0Teams overall record: 698 GP - 182 W - 401 L - 115 T (.343 winning percentage)Most goals: Joey Johnston 84Most assists: Ted Hampson 123Most points – Joey Johnston 185Notable players: Reggie Leach (1971-74), Joey Johnston (1971-75), Ted Hampson (1967-71), Bill Hicke (1967-71), Carol Vadnais (1968-72), Gilles Meloche (1971-76).Best jersey: 1967 California Seals home jersey(Image via Game Worn Auctions)Worst jersey: 1974-76 road jerseys(Image via Bleacher Report)Why the Golden Seals?The team was initially called the San Francisco Seals in the WHL and changed to the California Seals when they entered the NHL. The team changed its name to the Oakland Seals in an attempt to be marketed better in the Oakland area. The team changed its name again under new ownership with two games already completed in the 1970 season to the California Golden Seals because California is known as the Golden State.Best goalie mask:Goaltender Gary Simmons wore this sweet black mask with a cobra down the middle.(Image via Third String Goalie)Worst trade:Montreal Canadiens general manager Sam Pollock convinced Golden Seals owner Charlie Finley to trade the first-overall pick in the 1971 NHL amateur draft and Francois Lacombe in return for Montreals 1970 first-round pick aand Ernie Hicke.dddddddddddd The Canadiens would draft legend Guy LaFleur with that pick, while the Golden Seals drafted Chris Oddleifson who never suited up with the Golden Seals. Ill let you figure out who won that one.Best unibrow: Rick Hampton had a unibrow that could easily be interchanged with his moustache. Its an incredible look.(Image via Blue Print Hockey)Best fight: Hampton must have been a heart and soul player because watch the man with the golden unibrow get into a spirited tilt against the Bruins.Mascot: Sparky The Seal(Image via Good Old Hockey Shirts)Inside look: Take a look at their former coach Vic Stasuk try to inspire his group. Its a cool video.Did you know?Despite the poor attendance, the team had many loyal fans. In fact, they had a booster club that existed long after the team moved to Cleveland. This is a good video as well to get perspective on Seals fans in general.Last game: April 4, 1976. The Golden Seals beat the Los Angeles Kings 5-2.Captain: Jim Neilson and Bob Stewart (co-captains)Whyd the move? Despite improved attendance, ownership wanted to move the struggling team to Cleveland. They got their wish on July 14, 1976 as the league approved the move.Relocated: The team was moved to Cleveland and they became the Cleveland Barons.Previous #TBTs:Atlanta ThrashersHartford Whalers(Stats and info from HockeyDB and Litter Box Cats) White NFL Jerseys Cheap Youth NFL Jerseys China Wholesale Jerseys 2020 Stitched NFL Jerseys Cheap NFL Autographed Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys Discount Jerseys ' ' '