PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Pirates general manager Dave Littlefield on Monday signed a one-year contract extension through 2008, the second time in three seasons he agreed to a new deal on opening day.

As in 2004, Littlefield was given an extension with two years remaining on his contract. He was given an extra two years in 2004 that extended his contract through 2007. This time, the extension lasts one year.

The Pirates have not had a winning season since Littlefield was hired on July 13, 2001, going 314-407 (.436). They are coming off a 95-loss season in which Littlefield fired manager Lloyd McClendon, who was already in place when Littlefield was hired.

Of the 11 major league general managers with more tenure than Littlefield, all but three have winning records.