The Big Doubloon

Down in Pittsburgh they count the take after each game, add up the gold and silver, and hoist their rum, and sing " Yo Ho, Yo Ho, a pirate's life for me "
 The Pittsburgh Pirates are cruising along the shallows, looking for another safe port on their journey to their 18th consecutive season out of the playoffs.

Let's be honest, these eye-patched crew haven't even been close. They have hoisted themselves out of pennant races early in June some years. The agonizing aspect to their fans is that they have been making a boat load of money while they sputter and pilfer their way, and claim the money is being funneled back into minor league teams, parks, programs, etc. The Pirates, like the Cubbies are one of thee oldest National League franchises, once had the great Honus Wagner play for them, Willie Stargell, Elroy Face, Roberto Clemente, and Bill Mazerowski, just to name some of their bygone heroes.  Now, once a player appears to be on the threshold of dipping into their pirate booty, they get shipped off, before you can say " Long John Silver ", the Pirates have turned over their roster. Always developing, looking for the cheaper, cost effective player, if truth be told.
Who had the lowest payroll in baseball the last 3 seasons, the Pittsburgh Pirates did. Who pocketed over
$ 34.5 million from 2007 through to and including last season ?? Any guess.

From the early 60's ( and including a World Series win in 1960 ) , through their heyday in the early 1970's, and another title in 1971 over the Orioles, the Pirates could depend on keeping their talent, as free agency was a pipe dream. Stars like Maz, and Clemente were bound, and perhaps shackled, forced to man the oars, and perform without any choice.
 The Pirates would have one last hurrah in 79', and play and lose to the Braves in the late 80's, but that was the end of their success. New owners emerged, ans they fattened their wallets, their war chests were full, and talent walked or ran of their reservation.  It is a sad state of affairs and the owners responsible should be somehow held accountable, at least by the fans, but like the local hockey fans ( in Toronto ) they continue to buy tickets, pay cable charges, etc.



I do hope the days return when this storied franchise used be " in the hunt" year after year, but I think until the fans stop coming, the team will not be forced into keeping emerging stars. Otherwise, it will be more " pass the rum and count the gold ".