Russell's future with Pirates unclear
FOX Sports
Share This Story
The Pirates are holding internal discussions about the immediate future of manager John Russell, multiple major-league sources say.
While it is unclear whether Russell’s firing is imminent, the timing would make sense. The Pirates are in the middle of a transition in which they are promoting several of their top prospects to the major leagues.
Right-hander Brad Lincoln and outfielder Jose Tabata joined the team last week. Third baseman Pedro Alvarez, the team’s top young talent, will join the team Wednesday, according to a team news release.
Pirates team president Frank Coonelly, when reached for comment, denied that the Pirates were discussing Russell’s future.
Coonelly declined an opportunity to state that Russell would absolutely manage the club through the remainder of the season, but added, "We fully expect that John will be part (of) our return to winning baseball this season, and I hope that he is able to do his job without rumors being circulated by unnamed sources."
The Pirates have lost nine straight games, dropping their record to 23-41, the worst in the National League.
The rivalry between Cleveland and Pittsburgh could compel the front office to make a move before this weekend's home series against the Indians.
Russell, 49, is in his third season as the team’s manager. His record is 152-234 (.394), and he has drawn criticism within the industry for his stiff, impassive demeanor.
Bench coach Gary Varsho, Triple A manager Frank Kremblas and Double A manager Matt Walbeck would be the leading internal candidates to replace Russell on an interim basis.
Former Indians manager Eric Wedge, who previously worked with Pirates general manager Neal Huntington, in Cleveland, would be one long-term possibility, sources say. Cardinals bench coach Jose Oquendo could be another.
Related Stories
Trending Now
-
Belichick: Force throw to Manningham
Before Eli Manning and the Giants took the field for their eventual game-winning driv... -
Patriots Way headed down rocky path
Week full of gaffes wreaking havoc on Patriots' image. -
Nearly 200 sick after cheerleading event
Nearly 200 people have reported falling sick after attending a weekend cheerleading c... -
Tiger gives himself a chance at Pebble
Woods' opening-round 68 at Spyglass offers glimmers of hope. -
Diaz fails drug test, facing suspension
The head of the Nevada Athletic Commission says UFC welterweight Nick Diaz tested pos...
MLB Videos
Morosi: AL spring training headlines
Posted: Feb 09, 2012
FOXSports.com's Jon Paul Morosi discusses all the AL headlines heading into spri...
FOXSports.com's Jon Paul Morosi discusses all the AL headlines heading into spri...
Morosi: NL spring training headlines
Posted: Feb 09, 2012
FOXSports.com's Jon Paul Morosi discusses all the NL headlines going into spring...
FOXSports.com's Jon Paul Morosi discusses all the NL headlines going into spring...
MLB2K12 - Verlander on Verlander
Posted: Feb 08, 2012
Justin Verlander loses his mind playing himself on MLB2K12.
Justin Verlander loses his mind playing himself on MLB2K12.
MLB Headlines
More Than Sports on MSN
Fox Sports Store
| itemName | itemURL | imageSrc | price | itemDescription |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nike Chicago Cubs Tackle Twill Hoodie Sweatshirt - Royal Blue | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Chicago_Cubs/browse/featuredproduct/250780/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_250000/FF_250780_xl.jpg&w=100 | 49.95 | Nike Chicago Cubs Tackle Twill Hoodie Sweatshirt - Royal Blue |
| Nike Boston Red Sox Ladies Red Local T-shirt | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Boston_Red_Sox/browse/featuredproduct/605356/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_605000/ff_605356_xl.jpg&w=100 | 19.95 | Nike Boston Red Sox Ladies Red Local T-shirt |
| New Era New York Yankees Youth Navy Blue Tie Breaker 39THIRTY Stretch Fit Hat | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_New_York_Yankees/browse/featuredproduct/605557/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_605000/ff_605557_xl.jpg&w=100 | 16.95 | New Era New York Yankees Youth Navy Blue Tie Breaker 39THIRTY Stretch Fit Hat |
| Nike Oakland Athletics Green MLB Practice T-shirt | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Oakland_Athletics/browse/featuredproduct/606322/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_606000/ff_606322_xl.jpg&w=100 | 27.95 | Nike Oakland Athletics Green MLB Practice T-shirt |
| Philadelphia Phillies Mascot Pillow Pet | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Philadelphia_Phillies/browse/featuredproduct/626447/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_626000/ff_626447_xl.jpg&w=100 | 29.95 | Philadelphia Phillies Mascot Pillow Pet |
| New Era Colorado Rockies Black-Purple Stoked Snapback Hat | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Colorado_Rockies/browse/featuredproduct/644117/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_644000/ff_644117_xl.jpg&w=100 | 28.95 | New Era Colorado Rockies Black-Purple Stoked Snapback Hat |
| Texas Rangers Manager Stainless Steel Watch | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Texas_Rangers/browse/featuredproduct/722692/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_722000/ff_722692_xl.jpg&w=100 | 69.95 | Texas Rangers Manager Stainless Steel Watch |
| Majestic Justin Verlander Detroit Tigers #35 Youth Navy Blue Player Pullover Hoodie Sweatshirt | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Detroit_Tigers/browse/featuredproduct/723016/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_723000/ff_723016_xl.jpg&w=100 | 39.95 | Majestic Justin Verlander Detroit Tigers #35 Youth Navy Blue Player Pullover Hoo.. |
| Majestic Albert Pujols Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Replica Jersey - White | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Los_Angeles_Angels_of_Anaheim/browse/featuredproduct/777026/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_777000/ff_777026_xl.jpg&w=100 | 99.95 | Majestic Albert Pujols Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Replica Jersey - White |
Member Comments
Please note by clicking on "add a comment" you acknowledge that you have read the Terms of Use and the comment you are posting is in compliance with such terms. Be polite. Inappropriate posts may be removed by the moderator.