Pirates Extend Neal Huntington
By Matt Shetler
The Pirates made a move they absolutely needed to make on Sunday and it had nothing to do with signing or trading a player.
Instead, they finally took care of the guy responsible for making all of those player decisions.
The club announced on Sunday that they have agreed to a contract extension with General Manager Neal Huntington. Huntington’s deal extends him through the 2014 season and also includes a club option for 2015.
The Bucs had to do this.
Even though their losing streak will hit 19-seasons this year, the team remained in contention for most of the summer and played its best baseball when a collection of young guys that Huntington targeted in the Pirates rebuild made their way to the big club.
Huntington was hired in 2007 and is responsible for bringing young talents such as Jameson Taillon, Pedro Alvarez, Gerritt Cole, Josh Bell, and Jose Tabata, among many others into the organization.
The Pirates made strides in 2011, something they hopefully build on in 2012.
Huntington deserved the chance to see his rebuild through and now he will get the opportunity.