Pirates 2016! (Pittsburgh, York: vs., build, working)

[erieguy]

At least they play 3 against the Angels and Polanco should be back.

[dbsteel]

I just think that the pitching is so weak on this team that it'll be interesting to see what happens moving forward. I've had the feeling that they are hanging on by a thread for awhile now. I don't like the trend of decent pitching shutting them down either, so the Angels/Mets/Cards stretch will be rough.

[erieguy]

Originally Posted by dbsteel

I just think that the pitching is so weak on this team that it'll be interesting to see what happens moving forward. I've had the feeling that they are hanging on by a thread for awhile now. I don't like the trend of decent pitching shutting them down either, so the Angels/Mets/Cards stretch will be rough.

A huge problem is a lack of demand for winning and/or winning a championship. Many are so happy with being above .500 and ecstatic about a WC berth that there's no reason to sure up holes, especially paying for pitching.

I also believe that Huntington is so afraid to make a mistake on a big name/contract that he'll just stay the course and keep the $$$ rolling in. Fans will defend paying on the cheap but will squawk for paying/overpaying for MLB talent. They'll point to the days of old with different ownership and a different GM, and defend Bob's $$$ to the end. In other words, just "stay the course" and "the future".

[sskink]

Originally Posted by erieguy

A huge problem is a lack of demand for winning and/or winning a championship. Many are so happy with being above .500 and ecstatic about a WC berth that there's no reason to sure up holes, especially paying for pitching.

I also believe that Huntington is so afraid to make a mistake on a big name/contract that he'll just stay the course and keep the $$$ rolling in. Fans will defend paying on the cheap but will squawk for paying/overpaying for MLB talent. They'll point to the days of old with different ownership and a different GM, and defend Bob's $$$ to the end. In other words, just "stay the course" and "the future".

I challenge you to identify one person who was "ecstatic" over signing Vogelsong and Niese instead of a better starting option. I'll give you all week to get back to us.

I've believed they could go $10-$15 mill more on payroll the past 3-4 years. It didn't make any sense to do it before then because the team stank. I'm on record on that account going back as long as I've been on C-D.

[erieguy]

Originally Posted by sskink

I challenge you to identify one person who was "ecstatic" over signing Vogelsong and Niese instead of a better starting option. I'll give you all week to get back to us.

I've believed they could go $10-$15 mill more on payroll the past 3-4 years. It didn't make any sense to do it before then because the team stank. I'm on record on that account going back as long as I've been on C-D.

Ummm, never said anything about anyone being ecstatic over their signing. I said many are ecstatic over a WC berth and defend saving $$$ rather than filling holes or paying for pitching.

Interesting as you've defended their lack of spending, dealing deals, insisting their reported total revenue $$$ to be untrue, etc... You've defended Bob's business practices over signings for as long as I've seen your posts, actually.

[sskink]

Originally Posted by erieguy

Ummm, never said anything about anyone being ecstatic over their signing. I said many are ecstatic over a WC berth and defend saving $$$ rather than filling holes or paying for pitching.

Interesting as you've defended their lack of spending, dealing deals, insisting their reported total revenue $$$ to be untrue, etc... You've defended Bob's business practices over signings for as long as I've seen your posts, actually.

Show me a post where I've even remotely suggested their revenue #s were falsely reported.

I have said that I question #s that Madden (and you) were referencing regarding profits. But not revenue. Many sources have questioned the accuracy of Forbes' numbers as they don't account for all categories of expenses.

I've also noted several times that ticket prices are too low, especially given PNC has the 2nd smallest seating capacity in the NL. Last year the Royals average ticket price was >$9.75 more than the Bucs. If Bucs had same attendance and KC's average price, that's more than $24 million that could've been invested in the team.

Of course in Madden/erieguy land, that $24 million would necessarily be reinvested in more condos and snow-making machines and in Nutting's bank account.

[erieguy]

Originally Posted by sskink

Show me a post where I've even remotely suggested their revenue #s were falsely reported.

I have said that I question #s that Madden (and you) were referencing regarding profits. But not revenue. Many sources have questioned the accuracy of Forbes' numbers as they don't account for all categories of expenses.

I've also noted several times that ticket prices are too low, especially given PNC has the 2nd smallest seating capacity in the NL. Last year the Royals average ticket price was >$9.75 more than the Bucs. If Bucs had same attendance and KC's average price, that's more than $24 million that could've been invested in the team.

Of course in Madden/erieguy land, that $24 million would necessarily be reinvested in more condos and snow-making machines and in Nutting's bank account.

Actually, more often than not, your posts are defending revenue and Bucs spending.

Right, why would Forbes not know. It's only their business.

Actually that $24 million would be used to pay down the debt. Don't think even Bob could get away with condos, snow machines, etc...

I get it though. Fiscally conservative AARP types as you referenced yourself before, gotta watch out for spending...and I guess thats even if it's not your $$$.

[erieguy]

Interesting there's no Neil Walker talk with him coming to town and his numbers being better than last year and more HR than anyone on the Bucs.

While I hope the Bucs sweep the series, I also hope Walker plays huge. He's way too classy to play for Bucs brass.

[Craziaskowboi]

If the Penguins win the Stanley Cup, more pressure will be put on the Pirates to win a World Series.

[erieguy]

Originally Posted by Craziaskowboi

If the Penguins win the Stanley Cup, more pressure will be put on the Pirates to win a World Series.

This will be their 4th Cup since the Bucs won a WS. I don't see Bucs brass/ownership having any pressure to win anything but tix sales.