Rob Biertempfel writes that the Pirates will extend Clint Hurdle's contract through next season, with an option for the 2015 season.

This isn't exactly big news. Despite our frustrations with Hurdle, he wasn't on the hot seat. The extension might signal that Hurdle won't be made a scapegoat if the Pirates have a disappointing season in 2013, but it might not -- managers don't make much money, and it's not that big a deal to eat a year of a contract if you have to. Anyway, I wouldn't read much into this.

And, to answer your next question: Yes, I had to use this picture.