MICHAEL KEATON - KEATON SLAMS BASEBALL OWNERS

Hollywood star MICHAEL KEATON has angered bosses of the Pittsburgh Pirates, his local baseball team, by telling them how to run the club. The BATMAN RETURNS star, who was a guest of the struggling team at their match on Monday (10APR06), hit out at owners for not spending enough money on top class players. The Pirates' payroll is currently the fourth lowest in the majors, and has been reflected in a string of defeats, prompting a Keaton backlash. He says, "Look, I'd do it, too, if I were a businessman. But, at some point, you've got to win. I think fans have been gracious. And maybe not vocal enough. Maybe not vociferous enough with their displeasure. That's my opinion. "I fear they (club owners) will take advantage of the good will of the people who continue to show up. For my money, that's disrespectful. "At some point, you either have to write the cheque or do something and not assume, well, we're OK."