A report in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette this morning says that the Pirates have lost more then $30 million since moving into PNC Park three seasons ago. Kevin McClatchy blames bad business decisions, including the big contracts paid out to "underacheivers" like Kevin Young, Jason Kendall, Derek Bell, & Pat Meares. McClatchy also told the PG that the team needs to get back to at least break even soon, and that, in 2004, $30 million of the projected $57 million payroll (this year's payroll) is going to four players: Kris Benson, Jason Kendall, Brian Giles, and Aramis Ramirez.
McClatchy states that the team must significantly reduce its payroll for next season; not to the $9 million payroll of 1997, but into the $25-30 million range.
Trade talks have heated up with the Oakland A's for Brian Giles, due $7.5 million each of the next two seasons. 2B Mark Ellis and CF Eric Byrnes are the two major-league players involved, and possibly OF Terrance Long, who Billy Beane wants the Pirates to take for money purposes. The deal is reportedly being held up over which minor-league prospects will be included. the Bucs want AA CF Nick Swisher in the deal. So far, the A's are hesistant to part with Swisher, but Beane covets Giles and may give up Swisher if the Pirates agree to take on Long's contract.
The Aramis Ramirez-Kenny Lofton deal to the Cubs is looking more and more like a reality, because of Ramirez's salary doubling from $3 million to $6 million in 2004.
The Pirates lose $30 million over 3 years in PNC Park with a $57 million payroll, and the Yankees profit with a $180 million payroll even having to pay a luxury tax. So much for the new CBA!
McClatchy states that the team must significantly reduce its payroll for next season; not to the $9 million payroll of 1997, but into the $25-30 million range.
Trade talks have heated up with the Oakland A's for Brian Giles, due $7.5 million each of the next two seasons. 2B Mark Ellis and CF Eric Byrnes are the two major-league players involved, and possibly OF Terrance Long, who Billy Beane wants the Pirates to take for money purposes. The deal is reportedly being held up over which minor-league prospects will be included. the Bucs want AA CF Nick Swisher in the deal. So far, the A's are hesistant to part with Swisher, but Beane covets Giles and may give up Swisher if the Pirates agree to take on Long's contract.
The Aramis Ramirez-Kenny Lofton deal to the Cubs is looking more and more like a reality, because of Ramirez's salary doubling from $3 million to $6 million in 2004.
The Pirates lose $30 million over 3 years in PNC Park with a $57 million payroll, and the Yankees profit with a $180 million payroll even having to pay a luxury tax. So much for the new CBA!
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