Nutting stresses winning

The Bucs' new owner is optimistic that the Pirates can improve from last year.
BRADENTON, Fla. (AP) -- Bob Nutting made sure his Pittsburgh Pirates' players heard firsthand how much he wants to win.
"We wanted to make sure they knew our commitment to winning, how important that is to me and the fans. That was the primary message," the Pirates' new controlling owner said after addressing players Monday. "The other thing I wanted to make sure they understood was my commitment for the direction in which the team is moving, as well as my support for the existing management team. It was very important that they hear that directly from me."
The Pirates have had 14 consecutive losing seasons, two shy of the record set by the Philadelphia Phillies from 1933-48. Nutting took over last month as controlling owner from Kevin McClatchy, who remains as chief executive officer.
Nutting sounded optimistic that the Pirates can improve upon their 67-95 record of last season, largely because they went 37-35 in the second half.
"The message today is that our fans are hungry and the organization is just as hungry," he said. "We need to see continued improvement. We need to have patience to stick with the plan. But, really, I think the point where we need to start showing things is right now. I think we have a great opportunity this year."
Payroll roughly the same
Payroll for the coming season will be roughly the same as the 43.4 million that was spent in 2006, a figure that ranked 28th among the 30 teams.
"The most important thing is to make sure we have that constant process where new talent is coming through," Nutting said. "That's what you see the Oakland's and Minnesota's of baseball doing, and we need it to happen for us."
McClatchy also spoke to the team and stressed looking ahead.
"I told the players today, 'The past is the past. We can't worry about it. We just have to focus on what's ahead of us,' " McClatchy said. "And I think most people in that room believe that what's ahead of us is pretty positive."
Copyright 2007 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.