Written by Andy | 08 December 2010

Jaubele1/FlickrIn order to send general manager Neal Huntington to baseball's winter meetings in Orlando, the Pittsburgh Pirates spent every dollar they had allocated to sign players this offseason, and are now completely tapped out.

"A trip from Pittsburgh to Orlando isn't cheap," said Huntington, whose expenses included roundtrip coach airfare, four nights of lodging and four days of meals. "Considering the meetings were held at the luxurious Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort, boasting superior service and magical surroundings, the price tag was pretty steep."

The resort's "fancy" amenities include a spa, five swimming pools, a health club and a golf course, which Huntington "didn't even use at all."

"Apparently the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort doesn't offer discounted rates if all you do is sit in your room. What a rip-off."

Huntington is sorry for the loyal Pirate fans who must be very disappointed the club can no longer afford the marginal major league caliber player they had been targeting.

"Negotiations were getting pretty serious too. His agent returned one of my phone calls."

To keep costs down, the Pirates propose holding next year's meetings at a "very affordable" Pittsburgh area Fairfield Inn, which has free wi-fi and a continental breakfast.

"Or we could have it in my parents basement," added Huntington, "as long as guys don't mind sleeping on the floor."

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