Winter meetings prove same old business for Pirates

Although the MLB Winter Meetings aren’t usually as exciting and chaotic as NFL Free Agency, fans can at least get a feel for their team’s vision for the upcoming season based on hot stove rumors and specific signings and trades.

Even though there is still much offseason to go, the Pirates’ ownership and front office made a statement this week to the city’s loyal fans: their conservative and cheap approach will never change.

We were led to believe that this was the offseason the Pirates would be aggressive in the trade market and increase payroll. Although the former may be true, Ben Cherington doesn’t have an aggressive bone in his body, as his idea of an ‘aggressive’ trade is an overpay for…