Plotting The Course
Littlefield Impressively Steering Pirates' Fleet
By John E. Sacco

The competition is greater. The accountability to the coaches and upper management is understood. The expectations, at least from within, have grown.

That is the way it is with the Pirates heading into 2003.

That is the way it is with General Manager Dave Littlefield at the helm.

The architect of this Pirate makeover is in control. Even those in the front office on the business side talk enthusiastically about the direction Littlefield has taken the Pirates on the field and through the minor-league system. They also speak about how Littlefield has bridged the gaps between the baseball side and business side of the operation.

Last year, owner Kevin McClatchy admitted that he really didn't understand until Littlefield came on board in the summer of 2001 how his ownership's success is tied to the general manager's success.

Littlefield is re-making the Pirates by paying great attention to the minor-leagues system, revamping it and allowing young players to find success at a particular level before rushing them to the next.

He believes pitching is the foundation to great success. He has brought power arms to the Pirates through the draft, trades and free-agent signings.

Littlefield always pays attention to the major league product—it's his main focus. Because, as he says, you get judged by the wins and losses of the major league team and nothing else.

Littlefield and Manager Lloyd McClendon have stressed to each player how important it is to be in the best physical condition. They ask some players to cut weight during this past off-season while asking others to add some weight. They had them working out and working with trainers, nutritionists and instructors.

Littlefield has created competition—or at least the perception of competition —on the major league roster without giving away much young talent in the process. He wants hungry players in the majors and minors. Under Littlefield, there are no free rides.

Unlike some GMs in a variety of sports, he most often tells the truth about the players being acquired. He doesn't back off talking about their weaknesses nor does he try oversell an acquisition or player.

At times, it almost seems like he down plays acquired players more than he needs to. But he doesn't want to give false perceptions or hopes. He freely admits that big-name free agents aren't interested in playing for the Pirates just yet.

Littlefield is all about results.

He looked at the statistics and the money and decided that Jeff Suppan, a Kansas City castoff, would be much better for the Pirates as a No. 4 starter than a combination of Jimmy Anderson, Ron Villone and Sean Lowe. Suppan and the combination of the former Pirates each started 33 games last season. The cost for Anderson, Villone and Lowe was significantly more (twice) than what the team paid for Suppan.

Littlefield seized an opportunity to place Suppan in the rotation.

He also brought in a number of big-league caliber pitchers, all looking and eager for another big-league opportunity. They were bidding essentially for one starting spot and one bullpen slot.

In searching for an outfielder, focusing on Reggie Sanders, Kenny Lofton and Ron Gant, Littlefield only promised that any one of the three could help make the Pirates better but not a championship team. He always was quick to add he wasn't dealing with—in any of the three cases —a top drawer player in the industry.

Littlefield is realistic, yet optimistic.

He talks about seeing light at the end of the tunnel. He reminds everyone that while it's good to be optimistic and feel good about the 10-game improvement last season, the club has lost for 10 consecutive seasons and won just 72 games last year.

That's not good enough to win anything. It's certainly not good enough for Littlefield.

"No, it is not a World Series team," Littlefield said. "We're not anywhere near there yet. It's a great challenge and I enjoy it. We're getting better. I'm as impatient as some fans are. I want to do it tomorrow.

"To start verifying that we're seeing the light will be based on how the won-lost record is this year. I'll feel more comfortable where we are based on how we do this year."

For Littlefield, it's all about results.