01:00 AM EST on Monday, March 21, 2005

BY SEAN McADAM
Journal Sports Writer

BRADENTON, Fla. -- Adam Hyzdu 's longshot bid to make the Red Sox as the fifth outfielder got another boost yesterday, at the expense of his former teammates.

Hyzdu slammed a three-run blast in the second inning, his second homer this spring. It accounted for the only three runs for the Sox in a 5-3 loss to the Pirates and gave Hyzdu eight RBI this spring, second only to David Ortiz. Hyzdu is in a battle with a handful of other outfielders -- including George Lombard -- and first baseman-outfielder David McCarty for the final spot on the bench.

The Sox have only four outfielders set -- the starting three of Manny Ramirez, Trot Nixon and Johnny Damon, plus reserve Jay Payton. What manager Terry Francona and GM Theo Epstein must decide is whether that's sufficient, although first baseman Kevin Millar can play left or right field when necessary.

Hyzdu, 33, played parts of four seasons (2000-2003) in the big leagues with the Pirates, appearing in 173 games. He got into 17 games with the Red Sox last season, most as a September callup.

"Some of [the decision-making] will have to do with whether we want a lefty or righty bat," said Francona, noting that right now the Sox don't have a left-handed bat on the bench. "We'll see who's healthy, and use some common sense."

Silver lining of sorts

Following a rough first inning in which seven of the first eight Pirates reached via hit and scored five runs, John Halama settled down and retired the final seven hitters he faced to somewhat salvage his outing.

"After the first inning," said Halama, "I finally got the ball down. The good thing about today is, in the second and third innings, I threw better strikes. I wanted to get my work in, but I also don't want to throw the ball all over the place.

A veteran who's assured a spot on the Opening Day roster, Halama nevertheless has a competitive instinct and didn't relish what happened in the first.

"Was I a upset after the first? A little," he said. "I'm not totally disappointed in the outing. I'm partly disappointed I didn't keep the ball down."

The Sox want Halama to pitch back-to-back days in relief before they break camp, since his primary role will be out of the bullpen.

Gearing up for opener

The Sox will send few regulars to Vero Beach to face former teamamte Derek Lowe and the Dodgers today. Ortiz, Nixon, Payton and McCarty are the only names set to make the 400-mile roundtrip.

Meanwhile, the Sox have determined who will be going to Arizona for two games against the Diamondbacks on March 31 and April 1. That group will include Ortiz, Payton, Mark Bellhorn, Bill Mueller, Doug Mirabelli, Kevin Youkilis and Nixon.

Staying in Fort Myers -- and playing the Twins on the 31st -- will be Jason Varitek, Damon, Edgar Renteria and Ramirez. Those players will work out at the team's spring complex in Fort Myers on the morning of April 1, then fly to New York that afternoon in preparation for the April 3 opener.

Two more outs

The Sox announced two roster moves yesterday, optioning pitcher Tim Bausher to Pawtucket while returning Josias Manzanillo to minor-league camp. Manzanillo was given permission to find another job elsewhere but has decided to remain in camp for the time being.

Around the horn

Nixon returned to action after missing almost a week because of the flu. He played the entire game in right field. . . . Ramirez, scratched Saturday because of a stiff back, was back in the lineup yesterday. . . . Matt Mantei pitched a scoreless fourth.