The deadline to tender contracts to those without guaranteed deals around the MLB is tonight at 11:59 P.M. EST. The Pittsburgh Pirates are expected to offer 11 contracts after letting go of Ike Davis and Gaby Sanchez. For fans the question is usually about the payroll number which, for some, indicates the believe the ownership has in the team. That payroll figure and total spending to this point may not be sending the right message.
According to Matt Swartz and MLB Trade Rumors, the 11 arbitration eligible players should earn around $36 million. That includes new utility infielder Sean Rodriguez and his expected first base platoon partner, Pedro Alvarez. When adding in the guaranteed contracts and those likely to make the opening day roster, the payroll is hovering around $73 million. That is up $1 million from last year.
One would think that the Pirates are likely to make another signing, which is likely a starting pitcher. They have constantly increased payroll over the last four years, but 2015 was often the year referenced when people talked about the Pirates returning to glory. They reached the playoffs two years in a row, but should be gunning for more in 2015.
Fans want to see more right now. They have forgiven the team for not resigning Russell Martin since he received an astronomical contract. There is hope that the Pirates can lure Francisco Liriano back. Pittsburgh sports personality John Fedko continues to think that a blockbuster deal is coming that could include Austin Meadows or Reese McGuire. Meanwhile, Pirates president Frank Coonelly told Dejan Kovacevic that payroll "certainly can and I suspect will" top the $90 million mark. Even star Andrew McCutchen has voiced his opinion saying that the Pirates should spend and find some consistency.
If the team does top $90 million then fans will most likely be pleased. That could mean Liriano, a solid middle reliever and bench depth. Regardless, the success of the past two years and increasing attendance has warranted spending, at least in the fans' eyes. That payroll figure is becoming symbolic of what is right or wrong with the Pirates leadership for many and will set the tone when spring training comes along.