That's what management says they're going to do. There was a Chat w/ Coonely today on MLB.com . One questioner asked him point blank if the Pirates are in the thick of things, will he have permission to spend money. He replied that ownership has given him the money. To be sure, there is some proof that they'll spend. They offerd Durbin, who signed with the Phillies more than he got there, supposedly. Really, we'll know something when the draft comes. If we're passing on a Matt Weiters type because of money, then we'll know. OTOH, if we draft him, and pay more than slot, that says something positive. A lot will be figured out as the year progresses. Well good luck with that. I wonder if the Pirates just go the scouting route when it comes to spending money, does your team go down south or the Pacific at all? I just never see them looking at Asian players, or at least one of the major players for them. How was attendance during the good times for the Pirates? I thought they struggled to get a lot of fans even though they were winning (Bonds + company), do you think that will change if they do start to do well? It just seems to me that the Steelers are the only ones that don't have any problems there.