PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – For the last few years and for decades before that Pirates fans were often sold a bill of goods. Given false hope by management that they would be better than they knew they would be.
When they would look fans straight in the eye and say Erik Bedard was going to improve our team and Lyle Overbay is the veteran presence we need, Jeromy Burnitz was reborn in Colorado so he will be good at river level or once we tinker with Chad Hermansen's swing-watch out.
I could go on-and-on for paragraphs naming players that wore a Pirates uniform that never deserved to play at this level. There are some on the 2021 team, but unlike years past team management isn't trying to blow smoke.
They know they stink.
"It's going to be a journey," manager Derek Shelton said after the Home Opener on Thursday. "At times it could be fun, but at the end it's going to be fun."
Realize Shelton could not get on a Zoom call and say they don't have current major leaguers, say we don't expect to win many games or point out how overmatched they are. He wouldn't be able to walk into his clubhouse. But those two sentences tell you it's the case.
It's what many Pirates fans screamed for in person and all over social media. How about some transparency? How about a plan?
While Pirates management doesn't like the word 'rebuild,' they do have a plan, clear as day. That plan includes getting rid of most of their best players who are near their free agency window or have no plans to re-sign here. Get young prospects, higher upside/higher risk and don't worry about the 2021 MLB team.
Where you will start to hold general manager Ben Cherington, his staff and coaches accountable are two big areas starting with talent evaluation. Their scouts have to be right about the players they are getting in return. The medicals have to be thorough. They don't have a lot of chips to play, they must hit at a high percentage.
Then there is player development. Their coaching at all levels of the minors must reflect a consistent message with constant communication with the front office.
And it's not just the instruction on the field that must be emphasized, but off it.
The Pirates have made investments in helping players with their life skills. They need these teenagers and early 20-somethings, some of them growing up where English is not the language, to be comfortable in all facets of their life. Help them not only be well-rounded ballplayers, but well-rounded men. Enjoy the Pirates experience, anything that will help build the player and then maybe in turn build some loyalty.
Don't blame the cuurent players. They are trying their best, but overmatched and most won't be around in two years anyway.
Try and step back and think big picture when watching some of the defeats. I know its not easy, everyone wants to cheer for a winner.
It will be agonizing to watch the 2021 Pirates, but know there is finally a plan.
Finally, savor the wins. There won't be many of them.
