Pirates Owner Bob Nutting said Saturday that the team "likely will not discipline president Frank Coonelly because of his arrest for drunken driving," according to Bill Brink of the PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE. Nutting said, "I think we're going to try to move forward at this point, but in no way minimizing my disappointment and his own disappointment in the action" (PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE, 2/26). Coonelly said that he will do "some sort of public service with an anti-drunken driving group." He said, "I've offered everybody in the organization a heartfelt apology. And I appreciate the support I've received as I move forward." Coonelly indicated that his public apology will "include joining forces with an organization such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving" (PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW, 2/25).
RAISING EXPECTATIONS: Nutting on Saturday said that the mood in camp "as well as expectations for the season are different this year." He said, "We’re talking about very high expectation levels for this season. I talked a little bit about the tremendous achievement the first part of (last) year, but also how we need and expect to finish this year, play all the way through. We’re here to win a National League Central championship. That’s the goal that we’re absolutely committed to getting done this year. They needed to hear that from me." Nutting said the Pirates "no question could have done the A.J. Burnett trade for significantly fewer dollars." The team "sent two low-level prospects to the Yankees and will take on" $13M of the $33M Burnett is owed over the next two seasons. Nutting: "We are all committed that we are not going to sacrifice our future or high-end prospects. If we need to stretch farther in dollars, it’s more appropriate and better for the long-term future of the club. I’m very comfortable with that choice" (TRIBLIVE.com, 2/25).
