Exclusive: 1-On-1 With Pirates' Owner Bob Nutting
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -Expectations for the Pittsburgh Pirates are very high this season with several well-respected baseball people picking them to go all the way to the World Series.
KDKA-TV's Rick Dayton sat down with team owner Bob Nutting for an exclusive interview about keeping star players and living up to expectations.
Pittsburgh's love affair with baseball is in its third century and it is in full bloom at PNC Park.
"There's nothing more humbling to see than the response that we have gotten from the fans in Pittsburgh. To be able to put a product on the field that they are proud of, but also to be able to see them respond," Nutting said.
Nutting assumed control of the club in 2007, but his family involvement dates to 2003. Early on, fans were openly critical when the Buccos traded away star players.
"We make sure we are not mortgaging the future and to build a team for sustainable success. So, we have invested in the minor leagues, we have invested in the facilities at Bradenton. We are investing here at PNC Park to make sure we have that steady stream of talent," Nutting said.
Now, the future of one of those stars is former first-round pick Neil Walker. He won his first Silver Slugger award last year, but his contract is up after 2016. Even though Josh Harrison just got a contract extension, there's been no news for the Pittsburgh Kid.
"Right now, we are focused on baseball. I think trying to get the contracts done these first few weeks of the season is unusual. It's awkward timing and you don't want anything to be a distraction from play on the field," Nutting said.
The Pirates are 3-5 going into their final game with Detroit and Nutting has high expectations for the club.
He is counting on manager Clint Hurdle to be a stabilizing force.
"One thing that Clint does so well to keep all of us -- primarily the team -- focused on it's a game that is played one play at a time, one pitch at a time, one game at a time and if we start thinking about October now, we've already made our first real mistake. We need to win today's game and then we need to come back out and win tomorrow's game," Nutting said.
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