All hands on deck

The whole team reports today in Bradenton.

Dejan Kovacevic reports that team will be treated to their first live batting practice and speeches from Mac and David Littlefield. Nice.

Braden River High voted to be the Pirates. This mascot edged out "the Barricudas."

Kelsie McLean and Brittany Funderburk voted for the Barracudas and the electric blue, black and silver colors, thinking they would for make for cuter cheerleader outfits. The future sophomores had rivalry from Brittany's dad Reggie Funderburk, who favored the Pirates.

"Considering the area and the Pirates town affiliation, I think that would be the best," Reggie Funderburk said.

High drama.

Also out there this morning is the whole Ben Grieve thing. Ed Eagle may have started it with this article. Here's a link to an AP version, unsigned but perhaps by Alan Robinson, who often covers Pittsburgh sports for the AP.

Finally, another Dejan Kovacevic Q & A. He advises financial discipline and falls into the save-the-money-for-Ollie school. I wish I could be so confident that the likely long-term scenarios will develop as we expect them. I want to see the team do all they can to win this year. They appear to have a chance now. And they've put in quite a few rebuilding seasons. At some point that has to stop. I'd end it now. God only knows what could happen to our players between now and next March. I think it sounds wise to talk about saving money for next year - really, it does - but I'm not convinced that it's really the best course of action. We can all disagree on this and there will be plenty of time to debate it going forward.

Don't miss the exchange between Wilbur Miller and Dejan Kovacevic toward the end. And the link to the television market size information.