SARASOTA, Fla. _ Pirates owner Bob Nutting had an active day on Monday. Nutting made his first 2020 visit to Pirate City and watched the team go through its first full-squad workout of spring training.
After practice, Nutting chatted with various members of the organization before making the drive to Miracle League of Manasota Field. Pirates players and management participated in a fantasy camp for kids with special needs.
Nutting spoke to reporters at the event about his impressions of spring training thus far.
"It felt great to talk to the players and see their reactions to the program and Derek (Shelton)," Nutting told the Post-Gazette. "The players enjoy the efficiency of the new program. It was time for a change, and the players are embracing the opportunity to go in a new direction."
Nutting was at the facility when Derek Shelton addressed the whole team for the first time as manager. After Shelton gave the speech he spent hours working on, Nutting went to observe the workouts.
"There is a really good tone here," Nutting said. "I'm really excited. I have been for the last three, four or five months. I'm more comfortable and confident with where the club is headed right now than I have been."
Nutting spent a lot of the day flanked by general manager Ben Cherington and president Travis Williams. Cherington said the sight of 6-7 Oneil Cruz was of specific interest to Nutting.
"Bob asks a lot of questions about our processes and different players," Cherington said. "He's very interested in what we do and why.
"It's a nice opportunity for him to get in the sun and see our players. It's a good opportunity to let him know what guys are working on. It's good to get feedback. He's interested in understanding our intent."
Nutting's comments fall in line with the theme of necessary change in how the Pirates operate since the team parted ways with Clint Hurdle, Neal Huntington and Frank Coonelly.
"There was a lot of frustration we heard from inside of the organization and from fans," Nutting said. "To be able to get that turned around into a renewed focus and fresh direction are all words we're going to use. It starts to feel tangible when you really see it on the field and the energy from the players."
Nutting will be with the team through the end of the week. He'll get to watch the Grapefruit League opener against the Minnesota Twins on Saturday. Nutting will also drive over to Clearwater to watch the Pirates take on the Philadelphia Phillies.
Nutting will go back to Pittsburgh for business and make a few other visits to camp. In the meantime, he'll keep watching to see how the team develops until the season starts.
"I'm excited to see some games," Nutting said. "I can't wait to get into PNC Park and start playing games."
