PBN Around the Horn

PBN Around the Horn: Broken Records, Checkbooks, and Ski Resorts

Published

2 years ago

January 19, 2022

Welcome to the PBN Around the Horn. Here you’ll find news and notes from across Major League Baseball, your Pittsburgh Pirates, and around the Sports Now network.

UPDATE (9:54 P.M.)- The MLBPA is set to respond to the league with a proposal of their own in the coming days as the sides look to end the lockout.

The players union is preparing a response to MLB’s recent proposal to be delivered within days. MLB made an offer to curtail service time manipulation and tanking and pay players w/2-plus years of service time more. Players were disappointed the biggest issues weren’t address.

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 19, 2022

Misinformed, jaded, a bit of both, maybe? These are the terms that come to mind when Pirate’s fans discuss the long-discussed checkbook of Bob Nutting. You see, yes, the Pirates are on the low end of the major league salary, but when you look at an even playing field like draft pool or international bonus pool money, the Pirates are one of the biggest spenders.

In fact, MLB had to change the draft rules because of the Pirates. The Pirates had no problems giving out big bonus money before the pool allotment. It’s moments like these that should make Pirate’s fans mad at the system, not the owner or management themselves. Basically, it’s the phrase “don’t hate the player, hate the game.”

You can also look at the international spending for the Pirates as an example. Take Shalin Polanco signing for a $2.5 million bonus, the second-highest in team history, or Po-Yu Chen signing for $1.25 million. The bottom line is the Pirates spend every last penny they can in terms of draft picks and international prospects.

So the next time you mention Nutting’s checkbook, remember that when the playing field is even, the Pirates are indeed big spenders. Thanks for coming to my TED Talk.

Pittsburgh Baseball Now Notes

Time for Cautious Optimism

Mitch Keller Hitting 99 MPH

Pirates Sign 19 International Prospects

Pirates Prospects Notes

In week three of P2’s new format Cody Potanko (Me), Anthony Murphy, John Dreker, Wilbur Miller, and Tim Williams give you all things prospect coverage!

Leading off with Cody (Me), I give you guys the weekly prospect update, along with a detailed rundown of Jack Suwinski (recent 40-man roster addition).

Next, we have Anthony going very in-depth with video breakdowns of Mason Martin and his swing as a whole.

Next is John and his wonderful breakdown of the best pitching prospects by age.

Wilbur continues his team previews, and this week it’s Double-A Altoona. You don’t want to miss it!

Last but certainly not least is Tim, and he gives us two great pieces. The first deals with Mason Martin and him wanting to be a complete player. The last one is a wonderful opinion piece on the waves of prospects.