Report: John Russell Likely to Be Fired by Pirates; Neal Huntington to Remain

by FanHouse Staff

Filed under: Pirates, MLB Transactions

John Russell is likely to be let go as Pirates manager in the next few days, according to a report in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

The report, citing several "internal sources," states that Russell, who had a contract option for 2011 picked up by the team over the winter, will be fired early next week, the decisions becoming public after ongoing discussions between team president Frank Coonelly and owner Bob Nutting.

It also states that general manager Neal Huntington will remain with the team in 2011. He also had an option for next season picked up by the team last winter.

Hired in November 2007, Russell has gone 186-298 at the helm of the Pirates, the first team he has managed in the major leagues. Given Pittsburgh's 18-year run without a winning season -- the longest in American professional sports -- and the overall talent level he's had during his three seasons, it's hard to blame Russell too much for another sub-.500 campaign in 2010.

 

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