As for the minor league deals — as an organization, we’re going to be facing a potential 40-man crunch (w/ Rule 5 implications).  Not having another spot eaten up was a BIG deal to me, and when the likes of the Nats issued 2 ML contracts (Rendon + Purke), and Bauer/Hultzen/Bundy getting them as well…even better!

As mentioned by Louis, getting Cole in a minor league deal was excellent.

Congratulations to all who signed, even the early retiree. Must also give kudos to the F.O. for the bold draft and signing of Bell. And the owner deserves some props for freeing up this large amount of money.

Looking at the huge investments made by other teams in the 1st round and by the Cubs in the later rounds, the paydays for Cole and Bell weren’t unreasonable. (Bell got $1MM less than I originally read, which is even better).

Here’s hoping for huge success from all these guys.

If the offseason can bring improvement toward free agent spending, the Pirates should do so. That is an a continuing area of concern. When millions are wasted each year on those poor signings it’s a tell-tale sign of mismangement, either in scouting or by a GM who will overpay for inferior talent.

Here’s to thinking some sort of voodoo magic or deal with the devil was involved….esp when you see the Nationals throwing ML deals out to Rendon and Purke.