Even though few of us care...Who will the Pirates hire as their next manager?

Question

You know, I have no idea who the Pirates are looking for to manage them in 2008. I am a big fan (one of three or four...I know) but who will take over the helm?

hmmm...so far soem interesting responses. Indeed, filling the areas involving player development are important, but the on the field leadership at the ML level does warrant someone who is going to be 'a face' of the team.

My guess is they they will go for a former Bucco, either Skinner or Pena. What do you all think???

Answer 1

Well, Grady Little's now available. You have a history of hiring ex-Dodgers (Jim Tracey)

Answer 2

The point isn't so much that nobody cares (which may be true)...it's more that it doesn't matter who manages this team next year. I could manage the Pirates next year and they won't do any better or worse than what they'll do with whomever takes over. A manager is only as good as his players. Terry Francona for instance, is not a great, wonderful baseball mastermind...but having Josh Beckett and the rest of his crew sure makes him look that way. Until the Pirates get some real players on their roster, they might as well save some money and let their mascot manage the team.

Answer 3

Of all the candidates whose names have been mentioned for the jobs, I can think of only a couple that merit the job. Ex-Pirate Tony Pena has the experience, loves Pittsburgh and is good with young players. Another is Indian's 3B coach Joel Skinner (dispite his ALCS blunder). He comes from a winning organization, has managed in the minors and is also good with young guys. Ultamately, it is the players the Bucs must develop and acquire to get them out of the basement!

Answer 4

My guess would be Joey Cora, who they just interviewed. I know they also talked to Joel Skinner, but I think Cora might be the enthusiastic leader they need for a young, likely losing team.

I'm not sure that filling the managerial spot is the most important thing on their plate right now, though. They still have open both the scouting director and minor league director positions, which are obviously incredibly important for a smaller-market franchise.

Answer 5

Off the list I saw of people they were looking to interview, I think John Farrell (Boston's Pitching Coach) could be the guy to get the job.

btw - I feel your pain as a Pirates fan, I'm a long suffering Royals fan myself.

Well, I guess it won't be Farrell. He's going back to the Sox. Maybe they'll hire Pena then. I liked him when he was managing KC. He was the last guy to get us a winning record here.

Answer 6

11/5 - Pirates hired John Russell as Manager.

Answer 7

cannon fodder. until they start hitting and the city of pittsburgh realizes they have a baseball team, they'll never get going....i dont even kno wut division they're in....