Neil finally signed McC and it's a pretty good deal too.

[pixburgher66]

I understand the cynicism, and I won't criticize, because we won't know what this offseason will bring for a few years, but don't ignore the difference in spending over the past few years. NO ONE thought they could sign Josh Bell. That's huge. Everyone said Burnett was overpaid, and the Pirates put money on the line to get him. That's a money risk. Not saying this means the Pirates are going to get to the postseason this year, but I'm saying this could be a deal you look back on as a turning point because it finally shows faith.

 

[Etrius24]

I have to say I was impressed...

The dollar amount was fair to both sides... The pirates need to show that they can lock up the players they covet... Tabata is nowhere near the star that Cutch is.. but with both of them locked up for the next 6 years it shows potential free agents next offseason that maybe Pittsburgh is no Joke... Maybe it shows potential free agents that there is a plan in place here and it is a worthwhile team to join.

6 years gives the young arms in the system time to get to the Big leagues...2013 should be interesting because just maybe second half of 2013 we will see Grossman and Marte in the outfield for the Pirates... We will see Tallion and Cole by the end of 2013 in Pittsburgh in my opinion... Kyle MCPherson could be given a shot at the 5th starters job by the end of this season... There could be some genuine excitement for this team... Something that would give the pirates some credibility and the fact that they locked up Cutch and Tabata... a free agent bat or arm just might come here instead of just going to the usual suspects.

There is a lot of pitching help coming,.. If Sanchez rebounds and is able to be a solid hitting catcher at the major league level with his outstanding defense... The Pirates will have one of the better young teams in the league by 2013

Though to be fair I suspect that as soon as the trade deadline of next season (2013) The Pirates will be in a position to trade an outfielder as Grossman and Marte will be pushing for playing time in the outfield... and Josh Bell should be getting close to being ready by then if he can stay healthy..

If only by some miracle Pedro would develop...

Still this is a good time to be a Pirates fan... The team just committed over 50 million dollars to keep their best player for as long as humanly possible...

THIS makes up for losing out on Scheppers...

Okay I was joking on the Scheppers thing.