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Frank Coonelly: Appreciative of Grilli, But Trade Could Benefit Both Players

PITTSBURGH (KDKA 93-7 The Fan)- Pirates President Frank Coonelly joined Stacy Kauffman and Tab Douglas Sunday morning. Coonelly discussed the recent trade of Jason Grilli to the Angels for Ernesto Frieri.

"He gave us his heart and soul, and we are very appreciative of what Jason Grilli did for the Pittsburgh Pirates and this city," Coonelly said. "He was a very large part of what we were able to accomplish last year. But at this point in time, we really did think that this was a situation where a change of scenery could really help both of these players."

Coonelly said that the club dug themselves a hole early, but has been playing better of late in a very tough division.

"For the last month or so, I think we've been playing very competitive baseball. Starting pitching has really turned around, offensively we have been competitive," Coonelly said. "We're dug out of the hole, we're continuing to scratch and claw."

Coonelly told Douglas and Kauffman that the fan support has been tremendous.

"We're up year over year by over 12 percent now in terms of attendance, which is number one in all of Major League Baseball. So, the support has been fabulous. The packed houses really do mean a lot to the players," Coonelly said.

Frank Coonelly: Appreciative of Grilli, But Trade Could Benefit Both Players

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