I’ve never been a fan of Pittsburgh Pirates general manager Neal Huntington.

Last year’s free-agent class, which included Nate McLouth, Erik Bedard, Clint Barmes and Rod Barajas, didn’t change my mind.

I know it’s still early, but the Pirates haven’t made any significant offseason signings.

And that’s a good thing.

The highlight so far, if you want to call it that, has been the signing of Felix Pie to a minor league contract.

That’s it.

By this time last year, the Pirates had already given us Barajas (one year, $4 million) and Barmes (two years, $10.5 million), and weren’t too far away from giving fans Bedard (one year, $4.5 million) and McLouth (one year, $1.75 million).

All terrible signings.

So while the Toronto Blue Jays are turning themselves into a contender by plundering the Miami Marlins, the Pirates are being frugal — like always.

Of course, when they do decide to spend, it’s usually too much on the wrong player.

It’s like Huntington is shopping for a Black Friday deal and is surprised to find out the $29 Blue-Ray player he found constantly skips.

To this point, I’m thankful we haven’t been treated to any more turkeys from Huntington.

Of course, there’s still plenty of time for him to revert to form.

– Rick Green (follow me on Twitter @ETNrgreen)

Are the Pittsburgh Pirates buyers before Tuesday’s trade deadline?

Ask general manager Neal Huntington, and the answer might not seem obvious. Here’s what he told mlb.com:

“So it’s nice that we don’t have to go get someone specific; we can pick what we want to get, and if the acquisition cost is exorbitantly high, we can stay with what we have and continue to play winning baseball.”

The acquisition of Wandy Rodriguez was nice. It gives the Pirates a quality arm without paying a high price, kind of what Huntington was talking about.

However, most people think the Bucs need a bat, and I’m one of them.

Pittsburgh can enter the final two months of the season with their lineup as it is.

Although Starling Marte had a great first game, he’s a rookie facing MLB pitchers for the first time. And he played against the Astros. You can’t expect him to be a difference-maker down the stretch.

Alex Presley, Saturday night’s No. 2 hitter, had a .236 average and a .276 on-base percentage. And he has just 16 RBIs.

Rod Barajas is hitting .202 and Clint Barmes is at .209, and neither one scares pitchers.

Throw in the hot and cold nature of Pedro Alvarez and you have some holes on offense.

Plus the bench needs to be upgraded.

I know Huntington doesn’t want to sound the alarm, but he needs to find some offense for this team.

I have no problems giving up a promising minor leaguer to get an established hitter.

Minor league players are so unpredictable. Too many of the Pirates’ prospects have failed to live up to their billing.

How many trades have the Pirates made where they gave up the established player and the prospects they got in return never materialized.

That’s why I say deal.

It’s been quite a season. I’d hate to see it end short of the playoffs because Huntington failed to make a move to improve this team.

– Rick Green

Albert Pujols.

Jose Reyes.

Prince Fielder.

The top free agents are being courted around major league baseball these days.

All, it seems, except for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

The Pirates made their latest splash this offseason but it’s hardly a cause for celebration or to entertain the thought that a winning season is right around the corner.

Nick Evans is the newest Bucco after signing a minor league deal with the club earlier this week. The contract includes an invitation to spring training.

Evans hit .256 with 4 home runs and 25 RBIs in 176 at-bats for the Mets last season. He’s played parts of four seasons for the Mets with a career .256 average.

Evans, 25, could platoon at first base with Garrett Jones if the Pirates don’t add anyone else. Evans also can play the outfield.

The Evans signing comes on the heels of the offseason additions of Clint Barmes at shortstop and Rod Barajas at catcher.

Yep, major moves by the Pirates indeed.

I can’t wait to see who they sign next.

– Rick Green