Please, everyone, stop harping on the Pirates’ “low payroll.” It has run its course as an interesting topic. We get it: the Bucs aren’t on a level paying field with the Yankees and Cardinals of the baseball world.

We also get this: The 2008 Rays made it to a World Series with a payroll of $43.8 million — 29th among the 30 MLB teams.

It’s not what you spend, people — it’s on who you spend it, and how much heart they bring to the table.

Today’s first workout for pitchers & catchers proceeded as scheduled once mid-morning showers gave way to sunshine. Only absentees: Chris Resop (stomach flu) and Ramon Cabrera (missed flight connection).

Attention, BSOML (best-shape-of-my-life) fans: 35-year-old Jason Grilli reports he’s in the best shape of his life following an offseason of intense workouts, including running drills in a sand pit.

Some people were surprised to see Erik Bedard wearing a brace on his left knee during a recent sideline session. Routine, apparently. “Wore it all last season,” Bedard said. You just didn’t see it under his uniform pants, unlike the shorts popular “off-hours” in Spring Training.

Bedard, conversely, seemed genuinely surprised to learn he has a considerable following among Canadians. A sizable number are fans of Bedard, a native of Navan in Ontario, wherever his big-league travels take him.

Bedard is not plugged into the online social network community, thus was unaware of his following. But it’s only natural: The lefty pitched for Team Canada in the 2006 World Baseball Classic.

I will relay a motivational quote that appears on the Pirates’ daily workout schedule, for all the players to see as they hit the fields. … The Camp Quote of the Day:

“Ability is what you’re capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it.” (Credit: Lou Holtz)