Number one is the last to know

My first thought reading the poll results was that the fans follow media suggestions too much.

I mean, Tony Pena didn't rank as high as Trent Jewitt.. what's up with that? Jewitt is a great guy and all, but still..

Then I considered that, perhaps, some fans still think of Pena as the guy who quit on the young Royals much like Jimmy Leyland quit on the soon to be young Pirates after Kevin McClatchy bought the franchise.

Or, maybe the fans thought voting for Pena was useless because he will probably remain with the Yankees?

Is it possible those voting don't remember Pena in Pittsburgh?

Naw..

Of all the candidates listed, Pena by far and away has the most experience, has to be considered one of the most credible, and would seem to be the best choice to manage the Pirates outside of Girardi. Yet, that's not who the fans indicated they would like to see.

Interesting.

Thanks for participating.

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A few season ticket holders have emailed indicating ticket prices have remained the same for the 2008 season (at least to them, that is) and that perks have been marginalized. Season ticket holders lost the following perks from 2007 (at least none of these are mentioned in the 2008 brochure):

-- two free Piratefest tickets and early access to Piratefest with a private autograph session;
-- six free game tickets has been reduced to two infield boxes;
-- exclusive Q&A with the GM;
-- Father's Day catch on the field;
-- Kid's clinic;
-- possibility of appearing in a Pirates commercial;
-- advance opportunity to buy concert tickets;
-- half-price Lady Bucs membership;
-- chance to win two World Series and All-Star game tickets including air costs;
-- limited edition print.

Added benefits seem to include - early payment bonuses including the ability to purchase extra Yankees series tickets plus a hat and golf shirt, and enhanced customer service.

Whoopie!

And if you pay by November 8th, you get to carry all the black ink home you can pack up from the club's profit and loss statement each week and start your own spamming operation selling recycled ink. Wow..

Anyway, here is the Pirates promotional schedule for 2008 for your viewing pleasure (large 770k or small 270k). And for the curious, here is Frank Coonelly's letter to season ticket holders last week.

Thanks to everyone who submitted communication.

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Bucco Blog has been approached by one national media group asking us to come under their umbrella and part of that process required us to reveal weekly stats to them. While I've paid attention to overall numbers, where people were coming from wasn't as interesting to me as it was to the group.

At the close of the week I ran the report and took a few minutes to decipher it and, low and behold, guess which viewer was the 20th most frequent visitor?

Hmm..

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Renteria went to the Tigers as we mentioned the other day was being talked about. While the fans seem to think that means Wilson will be staying put, the Tigers aren't the only team in need of a shortstop so don't count your chickens quite yet.

It is worth noting there is little rumor talk about Wilson as the GM meetings approach.

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Paul Meyer with the Post-Gazette revealed in a rehash of rehash article Tuesday:

"Huntington had sought to name an assistant general manager before interviewing managerial candidates, but his focus has shifted."

HAHAHAHAHAHA

I'm sorry.. I couldn't help myself. Come on now.. nearly six weeks after getting the job the man can't even find a #1?????

Nobody? Zilch?

Puh-lease.

I'm available. Huntington can give me the title "Sabermetric Analyst to keep Jake off my butt for the next TWO years".

LoL

I can just see the other GM's licking their chops waiting for Huntington to open the garage door.

Man-oh-man, are we in trouble.