Normally the Pittsburgh Pirates stick strong to its principles and one of those involves not discussing contract negotiations during the season.
It can be a distraction to both player and team alike as each wants to focus on the season, so normally the off-season is when extensions are granted
The Pirates already broke this rule once this season when they gave Gregory Polanco an extension and now have done so once more with Francisco Cervelli.
This one was more than worth bending the rules. If contract negotiations carried over into the offseason, this would have turned into a bidding war the Pirates could not have won.
The team was unable to come to terms with Russell Martin, and the market was such that were Cervelli to walk, there would be a major hole in the Pirates lineup.
This is meant as no offense to Chris Stewart, a good pitch framer in his own right, but his bat is not enough to warrant a consistent spot in a starting lineup at this point.
Cervelli has come in and taken a leadership role within this organization and has established those relationships with pitchers.
He always has the right touch with his teammates whether it is motioning for a pitcher to slow down or even pumping his fist after a key strikeout.
Cervelli is a very dependable player who to date has shown the ability to stay healthy with the Pirates.
He came into Pittsburgh in a similar situation to Francisco Liriano, with a history of injury that can make teams wary.
Cervelli still may take the most hits among major league catchers, but he remains on the field undeterred.
Perhaps equally important is Cervelli’s relationship with fans. His infectious personality rubs off on fans and it is clear he enjoys interacting with them.
Nothing is ever forced with Cervelli, and he will tell you what is on his mind when the occasion calls for it.
This signing is certainly a reward for Cervelli’s hard work, but at the same time it is an admission that were the Pirates unable to sign Cervelli in the off-season that they would not be able to find his replacement.
That replacement was supposed to be Elias Diaz, but he remains out with right elbow discomfort and the date of his return is not known.
The Tony Sanchez experiment was one which proved not compatible, so no one from within was set to take on those starting responsibilities.
All roads led back to Cervelli, and the move is a slam dunk.
The Pirates have a tendency for popular and well-established players to walk away in free agency, and now with all three outfielders and Cervelli signing extensions, perhaps this tone is changing.
No longer is being a Pittsburgh Pirate a short-term destination. It is where players can spend the prime of their career and help build a contending team.
The old adage goes that rules are meant to be broken and with the two times the Pirates have done that, it has sent a message to teams.
No longer do they just want to give up players. Players which fit the current product should stay. It is part of being taken serious as an organization.
Tuesday is another positive step for the Pirates organization as it tries to maintain momentum.
