[vincesanity82]

New Pirates' GM Neal Huntington did not come into an envious position in Pittsburgh. He's taken the reigns as GM of a franchise that has maybe 3 decent big league prospects in the entire organization, depending on your definition of prospect. Dave Littlefield left the minor league system in shambles for him. That leaves Huntington with a difficult choice. Does he try and shore up the big league roster to avoid the ignominy of the Pirates' tying the all-time record for consecutive losing seasons by a franchise in any sport? Or does he gut the team Marlins/D'Backs/Tigers style to rebuild the minor league system and try to position the franchise for long-term success at the cost of more dreary seasons for Pirate fans?

Personally, I'm hoping for the second one. I'd rather he do this thing right than try and patch things up just to save face value with casual fans. According to Metro News Canada, Huntington is doing exactly that. In fact, at the GM meetings he was supposedly taking offers for Jason Bay and the Indians, who watched Kenny Lofton, Trot Nixon, and Franklin Gutierrez, among others, try and man the corner outfield spots this year, are interested.

Rag and Bone! The Pirates Are Starting Another Fire Sale - FanHouse - AOL Sports Blog

[Gotham Dark Knight]

That's a shame...this is a team with such a great history...hate to this be the theme every year...

Anyone remember 1979..."We are fa-mi-ly..."... (did I get the year right?)

[Lefty Noob]

It is a shame, but this franchise is in dire straights. I still don't know how the minor league system got to be so bad, considering all the trades and high draft picks throughout Littlfield's regime, but it's a mess. I wish they'd keep Bay and the young pitching in tact, but I guess they've gotta do what they've gotta do. Someone needs to start running this team like the A's and Twins so that we can at least start getting competitive again.