Morton's belief in organization fueled desire to return

PITTSBURGH -- At PirateFest on Saturday, pitcher Charlie Morton made it clear that he's delighted with the three-year contract extension he signed earlier this week. The 30-year-old right-hander underwent Tommy John surgery in June 2012, but bounced back well, going 7-4 in 20 starts for the Pirates during the 2013 campaign.

The opportunity to return to a team that seems to have an excellent chance to contend again isn't the only reason Morton is pumped about continuing to wear a Pirates uniform.

"To be honest, it wasn't really a decision based on what happened last year," Morton said. "It was more of a decision based on the organization as a whole -- the personnel top to bottom -- and the city.

"Being on a good team is great, but I wanted to be a Pirate because I believe in what's going on here. I believe in the people I work for and the people I work with. I've said this before, but I want to be a Pirate, and the only way I can be a Pirate is to sign with the Pirates."