New to the board...but not really

[PMike]

Hey fellow Pirate fans,
I have been a lurker of OBN for about 3-4 years.  I posted a very little bit on the last version of OBN under another name.  Anyway, I have been interested in posting lately and wanted to introduce myself before I threw out some opinions.

I am in my late 20s and live in the Aliquippa area (west of Pittsburgh).  Grew up in western PA and have been a big Buccos fan since I was introduced to them as a little kid.  While we like all of our Pittsburgh teams in our house, the Pirates are a far and away #1.

I am one who likes the direction of the front office right now.  I, too, think that for the Pirates to be successful, they needed to abandon ship at the Major League level and invest in the minors.  It seems like that is what the vision is.  I don't know if it will work, but at least there is clear direction.  The current FO has my support for awhile longer.  I am interested to see if their talent evaluation and process for acquiring said talent actual works consistently.

I really like this OBN board for a couple of reasons.  First of all, I appreciate the way that people talk with one another here.  It is usually a place of pretty healthy communication.  I like the PG or PG-13 nature.  The Change in Atmosphere is a little silly sometimes.  I also appreciate the depth of baseball and statistical knowledge of many of the posters.  I love the info on all of the prospects. 

Not sure how much I will post.  My job has a blissfully erratic and always different sort of schedule.  But I do look forward to adding my two cents here and there.

Just thought I would introduce myself before I posted.

Mike

[PirateNut]

Hi Mike and welcome.

Thanks for posting finally and letting us know what you think of the current FO and the way they are heading. I agree with you in that the direction is positive in regards to the minor leagues and I'm hopeful things develop for the Pirates in the coming years as a result.

I'm looking forward to reading more from you, especially since we don't get much perspective from younger fans these days.

[Born4RF]

Hey Mike, from one infrequent poster to another welcome aboard.  Glad to hear your from the burgh-area.  I think this board has a ton of X-pats who can't get the buccos out of their blood.  Might be an interesting post for us to have a roll call with current and original 20s.  I'm a Robinson turned Mt Lebanese Pittsburgher.  Fan since Bruce Kison helicoptered out of the 71 series to get married.   Whatta month he had!

[navajo]

Welcome Mike. I still get to Aliquippa all of the time (working on the school project there). Good to have you on board.

[Possum]

Welcome to OBN PMike.  Don't be afraid to chime in with your thoughts any time.