PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Behind the optimism of Pirates manager Derek Shelton Tuesday, there has to be a realization of having maybe the worst team in the majors on paper.
If he does feel that way at all, he's not going to show it.
"We're prepared to win every night," Shelton said. "We are playing every night and playing to win. Making decisions that way."
He is aware they traded away a pair of starting pitchers, lost another, didn't re-sign their closer and traded away their best power threat.
"Ben and I are in contact a lot," Shelton said. "I am very aware of what we are doing. We lost some good people and good players."
"One of the things that happens when you are in a situation where you are building a foundation to a club. You do have to trade away some of those guys. Sorry to see them go, but really excited about the group of players we got. And how they are going to affect the Pirates moving forward."
For the players who are returning from last year's team, he tells them they can be a part of the foundation. He relies on building relationships with them to get them to understand the direction the organization is going.
"The way we are building this team is going to be fun," Shelton said. "This is going to be a fun journey. I think we are going to be able to see guys grow and blossom, including myself."
Shelton said there will be a lot of competition and opportunities for players as pitchers and catchers report to Bradenton, Florida on Wednesday. Many of the 75 invited to camp have had little or no previous interaction with Shelton and his coaching staff. He wants to establish the culture for those and he ultimately believes it will be a winning one.
"This is going to be a fun journey because we are going to win," Shelton said. "If it takes time, I'm all in for the time. I can't wait for our fans to ride this journey with me and with our group."
