Just a couple Pirates-related news items, and one potentially Pirates-related one:
— You’ve probably seen this one, but Ben Cherington told reporters that the Pirates are interested in adding another starter. He added that nobody goes into spring training with a rotation slot secured, which makes sense because all their starters who were in the majors last year sucked, except Zach Thompson.
— Bench coach Don Kelly reportedly is a candidate for the Mets’ vacant managerial job. This isn’t the first time he’s been connected to a managerial opening.
— There are a variety of reports that Endeavor, a sports and entertainment firm, and it equity investor, Silver Lake, are buying up minor league teams. They’re expected to scarf up a dozen or so in the next few months, and the expectation is that they could eventually own 40 or more of the 120 remaining franchises. Supposedly, they’re focusing on affiliates owned by the parent team and “offering incredible value.” The Pirates, of course, own the Bradenton team. (I looked all over and couldn’t find out which teams Endeavor is supposedly buying.) What this could mean for the future of minor league baseball is impossible to say. I suppose one possible outcome might be a better online presence for minor league teams. Or worse. I dunno.
