Pirates sign GM to extension By SPORTS NETWORK

PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Pirates signed general manager Neal Huntington to a three-year contract extension on Sunday.

Huntington's new deal also includes a club option for 2015.

"Neal was hired to take on the difficult task of building an organization that can compete on a consistent basis," said Bob Nutting, Pirates chairman of the board. "While there is still much work to be done, Neal and his staff have done an exceptional job of overhauling the scouting and development systems while building a strong foundation by aggressively acquiring talent through all possible avenues. We have begun to see that positive impact on the Major League level this season and expect that improvement to continue as we execute our plan in building a winning organization."

The Pirates, who haven't finished above .500 since 1992, were one of the biggest surprises this season, sitting atop the NL Central in mid-July. But the club endured a second-half swoon, which included a 10-game skid, to fall out of the race.

"I am humbled by the opportunity to continue as the general manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates," said the 42-year-old Huntington. "I am extremely appreciative of the resources provided by Bob Nutting, the guidance and support provided by [Pirates president] Frank Coonelly and the outstanding work done by our baseball operations staff. We collectively look forward to building upon the progress experienced to date and achieving our goal of returning the Pirates to a championship caliber organization."

Huntington was named to his current position on Sept. 25, 2007.