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Russell 'would love to be a part' of Pirates' future
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In an interview with the Post-Gazette this morning at PNC Park, Pirates manager John Russell spoke of his desire to keep the job, as well as his pride in what he sees as an upgrade in the team's play over the past six weeks.
He was asked if he feels he has earned the right to return for another season.
"It's a tough question because I've never looked at it that way, of earning the right," Russell replied. "I do this because it's what I'm supposed to do. I don't have a reason to believe I won't continue with this. Whatever happens with this team, it's going to happen. In the near future, things are going to be a lot of fun around here. And yeah, I'd love to be a part of it."
He motioned to the clubhouse, just outside his office.
"If the players respond, that's all I can look at. They know what I expect of them. They know I expect them to play hard, and that we're going to do things the right way, even though it might not always look like it. They have a lot of respect, and that's always been my driving force. They know I've got their back, and all I need is for you to bust your butt. These guys have done that."
He paused.
"Do I deserve to be back? ... I'm here. I'm here, so I don't think about if I'm not here. I'm under contract for next year, and I have no indication from anybody in the organization that that's going to be different. All we talk about is what we need to do today, the offseason camps, spring training -- all I'm looking forward to is the planning."
First Published September 23, 2010 1:35 pm
