Leyland: Pirates' Job is Attractive

Tuesday, September 13, 2005
By Paul Meyer, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The Pirates, in the very early stages of compiling a list of managerial candidates to interview, would seem to be an attractive lure for a successor to Lloyd McClendon, fired as their manager a week ago.

"Whoever ends up getting the Pirate job will be walking into a pretty good situation," said Jim Leyland, who managed the Pirates from 1986-96 and is a candidate for the job.

"They have a combination of the best young pitchers and players they've had in years. And the farm system probably has a few more. They have something to work with."

That's the consensus of more than a few other baseball people, too.

"They're not that far away," a National League executive said. "They have some makings."
In the past several days, Leyland has emerged as a top pick for the job -- at least according to people in the industry.

"I feel that the best-case scenario would be for Leyland to manage the club," said another high-ranking official with a major-league club. "He lives there. He's very popular there."
Leyland, however, is trying to keep a low profile.

"I've made it clear that I'd like to manage again -- in the right situation," he said yesterday. "Other than that, I have nothing to say. There's nothing else to say at this juncture."
The Pirates indicated last week they want their new manager to have had prior major-league managerial experience, which limits the candidate crowd.

Among those thought to be on general manager Dave Littlefield's current short list in addition to Leyland are Art Howe, who said yesterday he hasn't been contacted by the Pirates, Ken Macha and current Pirates interim manager Pete Mackanin, who's getting his first chance to manage in the major leagues in McClendon's stead.

"I'd like to think that I'm going to be in the organization next year -- in whatever capacity," Mackanin said. "I know a lot of these guys, and I think Dave values my opinion. I think it's important to have guys who will give you their honest opinion.

"I'm loyal to Dave because he gave me this opportunity -- to coach in the big leagues and to manage the rest of the way. I have a lot of respect for Dave, and if he feels I can help him in whatever capacity, I'm going to do it."

Howe, from Shaler, has managed the Houston Astros, Oakland Athletics and New York Mets. Macha, who lives in Murrysville, currently manages the Athletics.

It's likely the Pirates will need to give the new manager at least a three-year contract worth as much as $3 million, depending on who they hire.

By comparison, first-year big league managers with no previous major-league managerial experience generally command about $400,000 per year, according to an industry source.
Even though he has no major-league managerial experience, Class AAA Indianapolis manager Trent Jewett could get some attention -- if not from the Pirates, then from another organization.
Jewett has managed 12 years in the Pirates' minor-league system, including eight at the Class AAA level. This season he has guided the Indians to a berth in the International League's championship series.

Jewett also was the Pirates' third base coach for 21/2 seasons, beginning in June, 2000.
"I'd love an opportunity to manage in the big leagues," Jewett said yesterday. "I would be interested in managing any big-league ball club. I would be especially interested in managing [the Pirates]. I have a great deal of fondness for a lot of the guys and great relationships with a lot of the guys."

That's because many of Jewett's players at Indianapolis this season currently are with the Pirates -- pitchers Zach Duke, Ian Snell and Paul Maholm, outfielders Chris Duffy and Nate McLouth, catcher Ryan Doumit, first baseman Brad Eldred and third baseman Ty Wigginton.