Pirates and the Economy

It is no secret that the economy has, shall we say, taken a down turn. You cannot go anywhere and not hear about it. While the economy will affect taxpayers and corporations alike, the repercussions have already been felt in Major League Baseball. Just take a look at how long some of the free agents sat on the sidelines waiting for a deal. Teams just don't want to spend money and make commitments in such an uncertain time.

The Pirates major league roster really was not all that affected. Granted they did not sign any big free agents, but who was going to expect that anyway. The real question, as Jim Callis posed in his Ask BA column, is how much will the economy affect the draft and international signings.

Last year was a boon in bonuses in both the draft and in the international market. The Pirates set records in both for money given out in bonuses. The current management feel that they need to pour money and efforts into scouting and the draft to become successful, and quite frankly who would argue.

As Callis points out, some in the industry feel that owners will tighten the belts when it comes time to the draft and signing international talent. Frank Coonelly has gone on record saying that there are no plans to cut back on the bonus money for the draft and other signings. If that is indeed the case the Pirates may find themselves in the awkward position of being big spenders.

In a season where Scott Boras is the 'advisor' to the majority of the top talent in the draft, this version of the Pirates may be able to get an even better ballplayer in the first round, if a team ahead of them pulls a Littlefield. The money will play an even bigger part later in the draft, when teams naturally avoid players seeking these larger signing bonuses. If other teams cut their funding for bonuses the Pirates may well position themselves for even better steals later in the draft. Imagine getting say two Robbie Grossmans and Quinton Millers this year?

The money will also be a big part in international acquisition, as the team has stepped up efforts in that department in the past year or so. Maybe this could be a year we steal a few guys from other clubs not wanting to spend money.

Many fans complained that the team did not spend money on major league talent this offseason. The management says that they are more focused on spending it on the draft. If management is indeed telling the truth, then they could, perhaps, not have picked a better time in teh marketplace to spend money.