Pittsburgh Post Gazette: Opening day, 2032
Aug 25, 2017 7:12:46 GMT -5
Jeremiah:OriolesGM likes this
Post by marcus.dodgers on Aug 25, 2017 7:12:46 GMT -5
As we get ready for another season underway in SBL there are a few things for us to discuss. The biggest change we will see in the pirates this season will be evident on day 3. Long standing starting pitcher Leonard "Pokey" McCullough was moved to the Royals in the offseason. When GM Marcus Osborn was asked about it he said it was 'just business. Leonard was a career Pirate. One of my better trades in the early part of my career. Hell, he won a world championship with us."
Speaking of McCullough, he took out an ad in this publication thanking the fans. We have included a copy of it here:
To the fans of the Pirates,
First of all I want to say thank you. Thank you for all the years of coming out to support the Pirates. We weren't very good when I first came into the league. Not like you are now. I never heard anything negative or condescending. You are some of the greatest fans I have ever played in front of.
I was always labeled throughout my career. "A bad apple, at times", "dogs it too often", "severely lacking in leadership." None of that mattered here. The people and community of Pittsburgh took a California boy and made him feel at home. I will always cherish my time in Pittsburgh. My kids are natives. My wife grew up here.
To my former teammates. You guys are the best. Tynan, George, Adam, Hollis. But especially you, 'Mando. You've taught me so much. I appreciate what you did when you came over to us so many years ago and showed me the ropes.
Thanks for all of it Pittsburgh. Here's hoping we see you in the World Series
Leonard McCullough
First of all I want to say thank you. Thank you for all the years of coming out to support the Pirates. We weren't very good when I first came into the league. Not like you are now. I never heard anything negative or condescending. You are some of the greatest fans I have ever played in front of.
I was always labeled throughout my career. "A bad apple, at times", "dogs it too often", "severely lacking in leadership." None of that mattered here. The people and community of Pittsburgh took a California boy and made him feel at home. I will always cherish my time in Pittsburgh. My kids are natives. My wife grew up here.
To my former teammates. You guys are the best. Tynan, George, Adam, Hollis. But especially you, 'Mando. You've taught me so much. I appreciate what you did when you came over to us so many years ago and showed me the ropes.
Thanks for all of it Pittsburgh. Here's hoping we see you in the World Series
Leonard McCullough
Speaking to Osborn in passing, when asked what his goals are for this season he was pretty direct, 'Well obviously we want to go out and be competitive. We want to be the best team we can be each and every game. My other main goal this year is to lock up Adam Bryant to a long term deal. He'll roll past that 4 years service time and I want to make sure he's a pirate for a long long time."
The subtraction of McCullough and former reliever of the year Charlie Jackson present Osborn with some challenges. The core of the team remains intact, however. Here is hoping we have another year like 2029. Good luck to the Bucco's!