Some manager updates for today…
-The Pirates officially interviewed John Gibbons, making him the third manager candidate interviewed. Gibbons is the bench coach of the Kansas City Royals, and was the former manager of the Toronto Blue Jays from mid-2004 to mid-2008. Gibbons had some run ins with players, some of which are detailed here by Jon Heyman.
–Chuck Finder reports that the Pirates are also expected to interview John Samuel soon. Samuel was the interim manager for the Baltimore Orioles before they hired Buck Showalter.
–John Perrotto reports at Baseball Prospectus that St. Louis Cardinals third base coach Jose Oquendo is also expected to be interviewed for the job.
+ postsTim is the owner, producer, editor, and lead writer of PiratesProspects.com. He has been running Pirates Prospects since 2009, becoming the first new media reporter and outlet covering the Pirates at the MLB level in 2011 and 2012. His work can also be found in Baseball America, where he has been a contributor since 2014 and the Pirates' correspondent since 2019.
I like the idea of Jose Oquendo being a candidate to replace John Russell as the Bucs new manager. Has anyone thrown out there the name Dave Righetti? He has done great things with the San Francisco Giants staff the last few years especially with Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain, Johnathan Sanchez & Madison Baumgarner. All elite talent that he has brought to prohecy this post season. Just think what he could do with Lincoln, Ohlendork, McDonald, Allie & Taillon?