Pirates President Frank Coonelly Defends Comments

Frank Coonelly joined Seibel, Starkey, and Miller on Sportsradio 93-7 The FAN to discuss the comments he made recently about attendance needing to boost before the team can reach a level of spending that would make them competitive with other teams in the league.

Coonelly said the idea that they can't increase payroll without increased attendance is not true.  The organization could spend at a competitive level right now, but to spend more, higher attendance would help.

Coonelly also said until they can convince the fan base that they are a better team and will compete, they can't expect the fans to show up for games, but they also can't be expected to double their payroll from last year during this year.

When it came to discussing the fans of the team needing to show up at the ballpark, Frank claimed they are the best in Major League Baseball, and Pittsburgh fans are the best in the world, and the fans' passion towards the franchise just goes to further prove that.

We wrapped things up with Coonelly by having him talk about the CBA which is set to expire in December and he says the Pirates will be at the front of the line demanding change to the current system.