The 2010s were much better than the 2000s for the Pittsburgh Pirates. They had multiple winning seasons and made the post-season on three separate occasions. Part of this was because of the farm system that Neal Huntington and company built up. As is with any small market team, the Bucs saw their core players come up through their own organization.
Furthermore, Neal Huntington committed to tearing down the team when he first was hired. This was important because not only was the major league club in turmoil but so was the farm system that Dave Littlefield left behind.