The Pittsburgh Pirates won't raise their payroll, but have increased spending in other areas, according to Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. Biertempfel details how the Pirates are committing money to areas less obvious to fans than player contracts, including facilities, scouting and player development.
In a separate article, Dejan Kovacevic of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette looks back at the Jason Bay trade from Pittsburgh's perspective, and adds a few more Pirates-related nuggets:
- The Pirates haven't talked to Andrew McCutchen about a long-term extension yet, but have him under team control until 2015, so there's plenty of time.
- The team is hoping that Brian Bixler will develop into a super-utility type, since they like his defensive versatility.
- Given the number of free agents still available, the club would prefer to "wait for what it sees as the best value."
- In particular, the Pirates will be looking at value signings for their outfield and bullpen.
