Russell would 'love to be part' of Pirates' future
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Pirates manager John Russell: "I do this because it's what I'm supposed to do."
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In nearly three years as the Pirates' manager, John Russell has lost and lost and lost. His record is 182-293 and, by the time this most miserable season ends Oct. 3 in Miami, he could have an astounding 300 losses in three seasons.
The team has played better of late, with a five-game winning streak preceding the 9-2 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals Thursday at PNC Park, but it is 53-99 and virtually assured of the eighth 100-loss record in franchise history as well as one of the most lopsided run differentials in Major League Baseball history.
In an interview with the Post-Gazette Thursday morning at PNC Park, Russell was asked if he felt he had 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 24, 2010 12:00 am
