Lloyd McClendon was fired Tuesday as

manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates with the team only one

defeat away from a fifth consecutive losing season. Bench

coach Pete Mackanin is set to serve as interim manager for

the rest of the season.

 

The team is expected to immediately begin searching for a

replacement for McClendon, a former Pirates player and coach

who was on the verge of becoming the first manager in team

history to have five consecutive losing seasons. The Pirates

have not had a winning season since winning the NL East in

1992.

 

The talent-thin Pirates, who only this season began a

concerted effort to rebuild with youth, averaged 91 losses in

McClendon's first four seasons. With a 55-81 record going

into Tuesday night's game against Arizona, they were tied

with Colorado for the NL's worst record.

 

The Pirates held a club option on McClendon for 2006 and,

after an encouraging start that saw them reach .500 at 30-30

on June 11, the team began talking to McClendon about next

season. But the Pirates have since lost 51 of 76 games and

appear headed for their fourth season of 90 or more losses

since 1999.

 

The Pirates have lost four straight, nine of 10 and 14 of

18. They also have dropped eight in a row at home, their

longest streak since PNC Park opened in 2001.

 

Once they lose another game, the Pirates' 13 consecutive

losing seasons will be three short of the major league

record.

 

 

This move is kind of a surprise as late in the year as it is but i guess the Pirates front office (GM Dave Littlefield) and company need a head start in looking for a new manager

Dumb move. The problem with the Pirates is not it's manager.

Not really his fault but that's how it works.

Jim Leyland? It's the best fit.

maybe he can become the fish bench coach?

maybe he can become the fish bench coach?

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He's in his mid 40's isn't he? Too young, gotta be at least 65 to be in the Marlins Coaching Staff Bingo Game. :mischief

Leyland's got a job now.

Jim Leyland? It's the best fit.

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He will not go to a losing team..........

 

Remember why he left the Marlins and then the Rockies.......the man can't handle it.....

Not really his fault he doesn't have enough talent, but you can't manage any team for so many loosing seasons and expect to keep your job.

Not really his fault? Yeah, you guys need to pay attention on how he mismanages games.

Good.. Their 'idiot' manager is gone.. See ya..

Not really his fault? Yeah, you guys need to pay attention on how he mismanages games.

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I don't watch that many pirate games so I can't defend him on that but even if they do get a good manager, is really going to make the pirates a winning ball club? The front office doesn't appear to be improving.

Bobby Cox couldnt have managed this team to too many more wins.

I was surprised the pirates made this move.

Not really his fault? Yeah, you guys need to pay attention on how he mismanages games.

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Bobby Cox couldnt have managed this team to too many more wins.

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*agrees* That's what I mean Nugget.