Four more games.
I haven’t gotten worked up over the firing of guys like Altoona manager Michael Ryan or anyone else on the minor league side. None of those guys are the entire problem with the Pirates’ development system, and some of them might not even be part of the problem at all.
I’ve learned from history to wait these things out. The minor league season ends and coaches immediately learn their future with the club. Then there is another month to go before the same process happens in the majors with the MLB staff.
We didn’t find out that Michael Ryan was fired with four games left in the season. We found out right after the season. And don’t think that says anything about future plans.
Back when Matt Walbeck was fired from Altoona, and Pirates fans wanted John Russell replaced in the majors, the firings played out the same way. Walbeck was fired right at the end of the minor league season. Russell was fired at the end of the MLB season. Sandwiched in between was unnecessary speculation about whether Walbeck’s firing meant the Pirates were keeping Russell.
As far as Clint Hurdle’s fate this year, that took an interesting roller coaster trip last night. Stephen Nesbit reported that Clint Hurdle had been told he will be returning next year. Neal Huntington then issued a statement saying that they would comment on personnel moves after the season.
Following the game, Hurdle almost backtracked the comments, explaining to media that he was planning like he would be here next year, along with Huntington. He declined to say who told him his job was safe next year.
If you’re reading between the lines, Hurdle and Huntington are doing what they’re supposed to be doing. Until they’re fired, they should be operating as if they’re planning for next year, since that’s part of the job they still have.
Bob Nutting hasn’t spoken publicly yet, but that’s not necessary until a decision is made in one way or another. When that decision comes, Nutting needs to speak and take ownership of it. But we’re not there yet.
There are four games left in the season. Sometime (hopefully shortly) after that, we’ll get all of our answers for the future of this franchise. You already know where I stand on what the Pirates should do. I’m still waiting to see what they will do.
Just four more games.
SONG OF THE DAY
DAILY QUIZ
Here’s another long quiz.
THIS DATE IN PIRATES HISTORY
By John Dreker
Seven former Pittsburgh Pirates players have been born on this date, including a player from the 1991-92 NL East champs.
Daniel McCutchen, pitcher from 2009 until 2012. Came to the Pirates in the six-player deal that involved Xavier Nady and Damaso Marte. McCutchen was drafted four times before he finally signed with the Yankees in 2006. With the Pirates, he made 108 appearances, 15 as a starter. He had a 4.77 ERA in 188.2 innings.
Yurendell de Caster, 2006 Pirates. Went 0-for-2 with two strikeouts in three games for the Pirates, his only big league time. Spent seven seasons in the Pirates farm system.
Brian Shouse, pitcher for the 1993 Pirates. Gave up four runs over four innings in six relief appearances. Shouse pitched briefly for the 1998 Red Sox, before finally sticking in the majors in 2002. He ended up pitching 467 games in the majors over ten seasons and 565 games in the minors over 18 years.
Steve Buechele, third baseman for the 1991-92 Pirates. The Pirates acquired him on August 30,1991 for two minor league pitchers and he hit .246 with four homers over the last 31 games. He hit .304 with four walks in the playoffs. The next year, Buechele was traded in July to the Chicago Cubs for Danny Jackson. He played 1,334 games over his 11-year career, spending the majority of his time with Texas
Bobby Shantz, pitched for the 1961 Pirates. Played 16 years in the majors, winning 24 games and the MVP award in 1952. Won 119 games total. Led the AL in ERA in 1957 with a 2.45 mark. Pitched against the Pirates three times during the 1960 World Series.
Joe Sullivan, lefty pitcher for the 1941 Pirates. He was purchased mid-season from the Boston Braves and went 4-1, 2.97 in four starts and 12 relief appearances. Was sent to minors in 1942 and played seven years without returning to the big leagues.
Bob Coleman, catcher for the 1913-14 Pirates. He hit .245 in 97 games. His only other big league time was a brief stint with the 1916 Cleveland Indians. He managed a total of 38 seasons in pro ball, the first eight as a player-manager and three years for the Boston Braves in the majors.
On this date in 1906, Pirates pitcher Lefty Leifield threw the first no-hitter in franchise history. During the second game of a doubleheader, Leifield no-hit the Philadelphia Phillies. In game one, Hall of Fame pitcher Vic Willis threw a 5-0 shutout.
