Sep 18, 2016 By John Perrotto for The 3 min read

Three thoughts on the Pirates:

1. Tougher sell

The Pirates surpassed the two-million mark in attendance for a fifth straight season on their last homestand and there was no mention made of that fact.

That is how popular the Pirates have become. After drawing two million fans just three times in the first 134 seasons years of their existence, they no longer have to worry about fans showing up to PNC Park.

Of course, nothing sells tickets more than winning. Not even fireworks. Not even bobbleheads. Not even the great Joe Klimchak.

The Pirates have finished above .500 each of the last three seasons following their ignominious 20-year streak of consecutive losing seasons from 1993-2012. They might yet finish with a winning record this season despite their ups and downs.

However, there is reason to suggest that the Pirates might not such an easy time filling the seats in 2017.

The largest crowd on the 10-game homestand that finished last Sunday was 26,744, even though it included two weekend series, a holiday game on Labor Day and two fireworks promotions. And, the Pirates were still very much in contention for a fourth straight postseason berth when the homestand began.

While the crowds did not fall under 20,000 for any on those games no the official attendance count — which is tickets sold, no tickets used — PNC Park had a dead feeling to it as the Pirates sleepwalked to a 2-8 record and out of contention.

The Pirates haven’t had to do much the past three offseasons in order to convince fans to buy tickets.

This upcoming winter, they would be wise to do better than last year’s effort, which was “highlighted” by trading for Jon Niese and signing John Jaso, if they want to generate much interest from a fan base that expects — and deserves — better from ownership and management.

2. Cole Train derailed

Of the many bad decisions the Pirates made this season, allowing right-hander Gerrit Cole to come off the disabled list and start this past Monday night at Philadelphia was one of the worst.

Cole’s elbow was still clearly bothering him as he allowed five runs in two innings. The Pirates then made the right decision by putting him back on the DL.

Yet, it is amazing that they even considered putting their most prized pitcher in position where he could have suffered a serious injury.

Granted, the ultra-competitive Cole wanted very badly to return to action. However, part of management’s job is to protect players from themselves.

3. Will be missed

Rob Egan, longtime general manager of the Pirates’ Class AA Altoona farm club, has left the Curve to take the same job with the Chicago White Sox’s Class AAA Charlotte affiliate.

It is a great opportunity for a great guy to run a franchise that plays in one of the minor leagues’ largest markets. However, it is a blow for Altoona, where Egan ran a first-rate operation, both from the standpoint of player development and fan experience.