PIRATES: GM Neal Huntington wrote an open letter to the team's fans explaining that the decision to trade CF Nate McLouth to the Braves wasn't financially motivated.

The Pirates, who traditionally have one of the majors' lowest payrolls, are averaging a major league-low 16,588 in attendance. The low turnout is prompting speculation that the surprise McLouth deal last week was made to save money.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette ran an editorial encouraging the Nutting ownership group to sell the team to owners who are more interested in winning. The paper wrote, "It's time Pittsburgh baseball had ownership worthy of the game."

Does this business model sound familiar? At least the owner took the time to explain his actions.

wxguy