Coonelly: Draft And Latin American Budgets Will Not Decrease

by Charlie Wilmoth on Jan 26, 2009 7:37 PM EST

According to figures from the Commissioner's Office, the Pirates finished 2008 with a payroll of $50.8 million. The club budgeted for a slight increase in that payroll for 2009 and has not changed that figure.

Coonelly also confirmed that there are no plans to cut back on the budgets for the amateur draft or international signing bonuses. Both of those budgets have seen significant increases since Coonelly assumed his post in September 2007.

"I think you've heard us talk ad nauseum about how important those are for us and how critical those investments are to our clubs," Coonelly said. "We got good return on those investments last year. That's an area where we have to be putting our resources."

I don't know that Coonelly has ever specifically addressed this issue, and it's good news to hear him say that the increased spending on the draft and Latin America in 2008 will not be aberrations.

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Very good news...

I hope we keep doing what we did last year. I actually would like to see us sign one of the top tier Latin America players though this year, but what they are doing is just fine.

by joegonzo on Jan 26, 2009 8:48 PM EST reply actions

For a lot of fans, the litmus test for MLB management is how many free agents they sign. For me, when it comes to the Pirates, it’s whether they realize that they have to make an extraordinary effort with the farm system every single year. This is an indication that, maybe, they get it.

by WTM on Jan 26, 2009 8:52 PM EST reply actions

A positive sign for the future-

“Coonelly also confirmed that there are no plans to cut back on the budgets for the amateur draft or international signing bonuses. Both of those budgets have seen significant increases since Coonelly assumed his post in September 2007.”

This is very good news.

by patthatt on Jan 26, 2009 9:42 PM EST reply actions

YAY!

I wanted ask this at Pirate Fest, but unfortunately there was no Management Q&A on Sunday. But it is good to hear they will keep trying to acquire top-tier talent in the minors. It’s far better than signing washed up free agents.

by EndlessMike on Jan 26, 2009 9:42 PM EST reply actions