I like to practice what I preach.
I’ve been running this site for over a decade now. During that time, the site has constantly evolved, and my role on the site has evolved with it. This is all trying to keep up with latest trends, and trying to stay competitive and stay in business as a small niche site.
I’ve spent a lot of time the last few years talking about how the Pirates need to get with the current trends and evolve their strategies. Meanwhile, I’ve always been focusing on the same thing for this site.
Next Friday, which is Black Friday, I will have a mega announcement about the future of this site, along with other announcements and special surprises.
The site isn’t going anywhere. I’m not going anywhere. But it’s time to evolve the site to the next stage, so it can be around for another decade.
I’m very excited by the upcoming changes, and can’t wait to share them with you all.
This site originally started as a side project and a hobby, then became my full time job. It expanded with other writers along the way. It expanded in 2015 as a subscription site, allowing us to provide comprehensive coverage of the Pirates’ minor league system.
The previous expansions of this site were aimed at expanding current operations with additional writers, and additional coverage. The update next week will announce changes that will completely revamp Pirates Prospects as you know it.
You’ll find out more about this on Black Friday, along with some other big announcements.
I do have one announcement to make today. As part of the upcoming changes, I will be stepping down as the person running Pirates Prospects.
I’ve been running this site from the day I launched in it January 2009. We’ve had other writers along the way, and my job has largely been tasked with overseeing the content on this site.
I’ll still be writing for the site, and still reporting for the site. But it’s not possible for me to expand the site while also running the day to day aspects of the site.
Fortunately, we’re in good hands. John Dreker will take over as the site manager, and I’ll be working with him over the next few months to transition into the role, getting ready for the 2020 season. Wilbur Miller will also have a big role on the site, which I’ll discuss next week.
As for me, expanding the site is only part of how I’ll be using my time going forward. I’m also going to be focusing on more big picture stories about the organization. This comes at a perfect time, when the Pirates have a new front office, and a lot of new philosophies and development techniques that will be put to use.
I can’t express how excited I am about the future of this site, and all of the things we’ll be announcing next week.
I’d also like to take this time to thank all of our readers and subscribers over the years for their support. This site started as a hobby, then a side job, and then a full-time job. It’s also been a job I’ve enjoyed about one of my favorite subjects in life: Baseball. Being able to do something you love for a living is a gift. You guys made that possible for me, whether you were reading for free, clicking on ads, buying the Prospect Guide, or subscribing to the site.
I’d like to also thank Giant Eagle for their support over the last two years. This site definitely wouldn’t still be around without that support. Pirates fans, you know where to go for your Thanksgiving shopping! Maybe even buy one of their Pirates themed gift cards.
Thank you, Pirates fans, for over ten years of support! I can’t wait to show you what’s next!
