The Pirates Will Spend Money on Talent...If You Give It To Them

Someday, an enterprising writer is going to compile a book of ridiculous quotes made by Frank Coonelly, Bob Nutting, and Neal Huntington. There's enough for at least a couple chapters in it already, and if they keep up at this pace, the book may be done by next week. Witness the latest gold min from Coonelly's interview with PiratesProspects.com: Kevin Creagh/Pirates Prospects: "Would the Pirates be able to afford a $70M to $80M payroll, in present-day worth, if this current group of players were competitive enough to merit additional outside free agents?" Frank Coonelly: "Today, no but we will be able to support that payroll very soon if our fans believe that we now have a group of players in Pittsburgh and on its way here in the near future that is competitive. We need to take a meaningful step forward in terms of attendance to reach that payroll number while continuing to invest heavily in our future but I am convinced that the attendance will mo...