Amazingly, Russell not disappointed

I'm not going to mix any words about John Russell.

He's a disgrace...the worst manager in MLB...the WORST manager in Pirate history...A loser.

There's no question he was handed a job with no talent to work with, but there's no excuse for his recent statements & actions.

The only thing that's worse than John Russell....Is the people that picked him for that position.

That pretty much sums it all up.

Good Morning tp you Bob.  I am not one of the ridiculous to have called for Russells firing.  I am one of those who thought it ridiculous to leave Matt in to take a pounding and be laughed at and worse, to lose the game the other day.

I'm all for stability as opposed to switching coaches or managers constantly, but I honestly think they have to consider making a change.

It's not so much about right now as the future.

The Pirates were in no position to win when they hired Russell. He was brought in to punch the time card, show up each day and do his best. Simple approach for a team with no expectations

But if there are expectations in say two years -- hopefully they reach that point -- is Russell the manager to get the most out of them? To push these young players who they hope can provide a nucleus? To set the tone after some tough losses and say to the team that this isn't how it's going to be around here anymore? I would say I've seen enough to conclude that he's not that guy. Too quiet and too much of a pushover, quite frankly.

I also think he's made some pretty obvious mistakes in making the lineup card and in-game strategies and things of that nature. Obviously leaving Capps in the other night but there have been other instances where he's seemed amateurish.

"What kind of message do his comments send to the players? If the manager isn’t disappointed, why should they be?"

These questions right here I think are very important.

There is an environment right now where all the expectations are off.

At some point down the road, players have to start living up to their potential and being held more accountable.

Will Russell all of a sudden change when he has to and push these guys hard? Unlikely. Very unlikely.

(Let me officially label the comments below as "2nd guessing" ....but moves I was hoping were made at the time!).

Jack Zduriencik should have been named GM. Ken Macha should have been named Manager.

Of course...those were moves that Nutting and Coonelly knew were going to cost $$$ to get those 2 talented guys and not necessarily put "yes" men in those positions.

Good job Bob - calling out Russell on his bizarre interpretation of the Pirates current malaise.    Where's Danny Murtaugh when you need him?

Poor Russell.  He's not that good a manager.  He's worse at public relations.  And he's working for a team that's going nowhere this year, next year or the year after that.

Beyond that, does it still matter to anyone who cares about the Pirates?  Better hope there's a couple of Roberto Clemente's in that Dominican academy?  

I'm not sure it's amazing Bob.  John Russell has Garrett Jones, who he clearly wanted all along instead of Nyjer.  In his professional estimation, they are better with a lifetime AAA'er.

Of course, that might make you wonder if his professional estimation is any better than Dave Littlefield's, or Cam Bonifay, or even Neil H.

Neal Huntington ripped the heart out of this team with those ridiculous trades. Not that they were great players, but these guys are human beings. Neal thinks he's playing a video game.

Joey Bats, you are spot on your choice of GM and manager. FC picked a totally unqualified person for GM.

Coonnelly had two big decisions to make and he whiffed on both. (NH and Tim Neverette).

I do not believe Russell should be fired (although what do you have to lose by firing him?).  Did anyone ask him why he left Capps in so long on Saturday after the Phillies kept crushing the pitches that he manged to throw for strikes.  That reminded of the last time the Pirates were in the playoffs when Leyland put the entire season in the hands of the great Stan Belinda.  "He's my closer and we live or die with him".  Stupid.

(What exactly was stupid about bringing your best reliever to replace your obviously tired starter? Belinda faced four batters. He retired two of them, walked one -- on a pitch that most thought was a strike -- and gave up the single to Cabrera. -- Bob Smizik)

Your "best" reliever in the regular season doesn't mean anything in the post season.  The guy (Belinda) was so scared he just laid the pitch down the middle of the plate to Cabrera.  Ron Gant had previuosly crushed a frozen rope to left field.  Why argue, the results are what they are.

(I just don't think it's fair to call Leyland's move stupid. It was the right move. It just didn't work.  -- Bob Smizik)

Bob - If were going back to 92, Leyland absolutly make the wrong move in the 9th.  He should have brought in Tim Wakefield who was completely dominant in 2 wins during that series and with a knuckleball pitcher, he didnt need 5 days of rest like other starters....

That's the trouble with this team. Losing doesn't seem to bother them. This team needs somebody who will not accept below average play and who will light a fire under some players. Russell should be coaching first base somewhere.

Bob,

You answered your own question near the end of the piece. How can Russell be disappointed when the team's playing up to its talent level? He doesn't have a team that can possibly be at or above .500. So in that sense, how can you expect disappointment? Am I disappointed that my 5-year-old daughter can't dig out the sheet music and play Fur Elise on the piano? No. Why? Because she's only at the level where she can play "The Happy Tuba." I'd be an idiot to expect more.

The Pirates have accepted losing, 17 years and counting. They need to bring in someone the players will respect (JR didn't have a destinguished playing career) and will get the players attention (think Bobby Knight or Mike K would tolorate all of this losing?).  They need a manager who yells, is brutally honest and takes losing personal.  My nomination is Larry Bowa for our next manger.  But he probably wouldn't want the job, who in their right mind would want to come into the Pirates organization?

If Russell said he was disapointed with the team, front office, owner, etc. he'd be fired.  

He's management and is like a puppet for NH and co.  I imagine they tell him to showcase Capps, bench Sanchez numerous times etc.

What the heck hes content, has a MLB manager job and makes several hundred thousand a year, why rile feathers.

Russell isn't what this team needs but Ownership isn't what any team needs.Anything cheap is the Nutting way.They simply use this team to stock money for future Members of The Nutting family.

The Nuttings aren't going anywhere,Baseball could careless because this isn't New York or Boston or LA or Chicago.Future Pirate fans will be dealing with The Nutting family 30 years from now with the 47th losing season in a row but many winning years at the bank for The Harry F.Potters of Baseball.

I think a key way to reflect on Russell's statement is whether he equates "surprised" with "disappointed." I suspect what he's really saying is he's not too surprised and that's a fair way to look at it. Personally, I am disappointed because I hoped that the three key areas - pitching, defense and hitting - would improve from last year. The first two are better but the hitting has been - at best - streaky. But I can see where Russell's not disappointed because his expectations may not have been much to begin with.

(I would hope his expectations were higher than last place. -- Bob Smizik)

Bob,

Speaking of last place, two things about the Pirates that puzzle me are:

1) Considering the mediocre record of the Central Division in general, the Pirates are worse than awful within the division. Even a .500 record against one of those teams would improve their standings dramatically. For example, at the conclusion of the last series against the Astros, Bucs had lost 2 of 3 in each of four series against them, chiefly due to four losses against one pitcher. Those four games under .500 were enough to put them in last place. Records against Cubs and Brewers reflected more of the same. I can't explain why they are so much worse in their own division.

2) the amazing disparity between the home record (above .500) and road record (below .333). Such a wide margin makes no sense. Home field advantage in baseball is generally much less than other sports.

Bob

But to suggest any of this is Russell’s fault is laughable. He has little to work with.

_________________________________________

To say none of it is his fault is just as laughable.

I pay no attention to manager quotes, they mean nothing. Since Russell doesn't take the time to explain himself, we are left with trying to dissect what he means.

His little to work with is a discussion for another time, not so black and white.

___________________________________

(What exactly was stupid about bringing your best reliever to replace your obviously tired starter? Belinda faced four batters. He retired two of them, walked one -- on a pitch that most thought was a strike -- and gave up the single to Cabrera. -- Bob Smizik)

____________________________________

Bringing in your best reliever was the right move, leaving him in to get pummeled was the wrong move. To say he is your best reliever at this time is also debate able, Meek might be the best reliever they have, if not close, he was available when Capps struggled on Saturday night. Russell's philosophy of you can't relieve a closer cost him a game.

When a team plays as hard as the Bucs did on that night and to stand on the field and watch a reliever give it away because of a stubborn managers philosophy is ridiculous.

If Russell was talking about the lineup meaning the team in all facets of the game, yes the Pirates are more balanced than last year's version. But if he was just talking about the lineup as in the offensive lineup, then he was obviously either lying, clueless or apathetic.

When you look at the Pirates' run differential, you get the understanding that this team is actually improved on last year's version. However, the stats of how bad the Pirates are in 1 run games and on the road tend to suggest that some players simply aren't focused enough when the conditions are tougher.

If that's the case, I think that's got to fall on the manager's shoulders.

I do think Russell has handled the starting and middle relief pitching pretty well, but the closer is another matter entirely. 11 games under .500 means that if the Pirates could have won 5 or 6 games of those 1 run losses, they would be around .500.  

The Pirates would be within a few games of .500 if it weren't for the ridiculous reliance on Matt Capps when he clearly doesn't have his good stuff. And several of these losses were bone crushing, back breaking, demoralizing losses that came as the Pirates were attempting to stop small losing streaks. This then turned what might have been small blips on the schedule into nosedives.

He should be disapointed. Disapointed ownership/management trades away his best players, making him manage minor leaguers in the Majors.

17 days till a real Professional team starts its season.

Bob; Russell might prove to be a genious with some talent. That said I wish he had a quicker hook. I also wish he'd let his hot hitters (whenever he gets one) play it out.  I hate seeing a torrid bat on the bench just so a bench player can get some innings. I wouldn't fire him.  I think a lot of people can be effective and low key. Murtaugh ranted, Tanner was the eternal optimist, and Leyland had the gut feeling.  They were all good in their own way. I just liked Leyland because If I were a manager tha's how I would want to be, although I did like that guy who coached Cleveland in Major League I.  When he peed on the shorstop's contract; that was classic.

The key to why Russell, and any other manager, is doomed to fail in Pittsburgh (in addition to the lousy talent) can be seen in the specific words he used. He didn't say "I'm not disapponted", which may have at least been an honest, independent answer. He said, "I don't THINK I'm disappointed." He was a bit unsure what the big bosses wanted him to say, so he guessed, and qualified it in case he might have to pull the answer back later. Pathetic. Reminds me of interviews with the hamstrung head coach of the Dallas Cowboys.  

Firing John Russell is akin to benching the quarterback on a football team with no line, running game, receivers or defense.   Who knows if Russell is any good or not?

Do I wish he was more emotional?  Yes.  But all the emotion in the world didn't do much for Lloyd McClendon.  

I also wish he would have yanked Capps the other day but I also realize that sticking with your closer is modern managing 101.  The psyche of the modern pitcher is apparently too fragile to be yanked and ever be effective agian.

Bottom line is the players aren't good enough.  They're all complimentary players on a good team.  There aren't any horses.  Not one.

This guy is simply a Triple-A manager that is it....keeps a low profile much in the same way a minor league manager would as to not 'ruffle' feathers of the higher ups.  It is a joke....but then again he is managing numerous Triple-A players at the major league level.

If this is ever going to work out, the Buccos need to bring in a younger guy with some fire, not a younger guy who allows you to spit in his face.......give us a Rah-Rah guy, remember Leyland was like that early on, call someone out on the carpet, please!  At times I wonder if the guy has a pulse?  

Bring back Lloyd, at least he showed something, even if it was his ability to remove first base and exit with it in hand from the field!!!!!!!!

As much as I find myself clamoring that the FO needs more time before we'll ever be able to know if they're effective and as much as I'm all in favor of stripping the team bare and starting all over...John Russell has proven to be a frustration.

I'm sure he's very knowledgeable and was hired for his patience and even-keel...but there has to come a limit as this is competition. Even little things baffle...if I'm correct I believe the first time I saw Russell in a serious argument this year was in a game the Pirates were winning 8-2....on a bang-bang play at third in the late innings. So many other times he appeared complacent when he could have stuck up for his guys. I know Earl Weaver in his younger days ranting and raving wouldn't help this team a whole lot....but Russell could try to fire up the troops sometimes imo.

I also agree with Navy Author in that I HATE how he changes the lineup...seemingly on a whim. As much as we need to find out how certain guys project long-term....by now the coaches should know the skills to the point that they can determine who should get a steady, consistent chance. Garret Jones should continue to play EVERYDAY....how else are you gonna know if he's a career minor-leaguer who happens to be on a hot streak....or a bona fide late-bloomer? Why not just alternate Moss and Young in RF every-other-day for a month....until its time to bring up Millege at the end of the month and play him everyday?

To be honest....I'm 50/50 on whether he should be fired now. I know it won't make a big difference....but there's not a chance in hell that he'll be the manager when/if this team ever turns the corner and becomes competitive. I think they have very good coaches already in place....why not try a more fiery leader....what do you have to lose? It almost makes me wonder if the FO likes the fact that he is such a "company man"....there has to be a way to be patient but at the same time totally spit at all of the losing....and he doesn't seem to have found it.

And for the love of God I can't believe there's still people out there who aren't over the Belinda-Francisco Cabrera thing!!! As Bob said, it was absolutely the right thing to do. We all were staring at the TV screen when the count was 2-1 clamoring for Belinda to go right after him....Stan did....Cabrera hit it.....and the rest is history. The open wound should still be the awful throw that the steriod-king had in a feeble attempt to nail Bream at home plate!

The Pirates have a bigger spin operation than the White House.  

Bob,

Good call on Russell's comment.  It doesn't pay to say much to the media.

Russell is clearly just collecting a paycheck - why raise your blood pressure when you don't have the talent to win anything?

I can't remember the last time the Pirates fired a manager in mid contract.

BTW - Since Cowher was not responsible for all those heart breaking playoff losses, isn't it a double standard to suggest Russell has any responsibility for the Pirate losing streak?

(I do not believe I suggested Russell was responsible for the Pirates losing. -- Bob Smizik)

The bottom line has got to be that its the managers job simply to win....that's all he should be worrying about. I know a part of that has to be trying to hold emotional morale together when some key pieces are traded...but Russell's one-and-only job is to take what he has and make it work.

Now, obviously, that's an impossible situation for him right now as the talent is not there....doesn't matter, though, that's all he should be worrying about. A close second to that is making sure the players you have are as coached-up as possible so that you have the best chance to....win.

He simply neesd to quit talking about the ancillary stuff....who cares if he thinks the line-up is more consistent (or whatever that babble was). Those guys from last year aren't here now...its simply his job to work with the guys who are and let them know there's only one goal....to win. Russell just strikes me as too much of an introspective/reflective kind of guy who worries too much about staying on an even keel and not enough about making sure his players know this crap is nowhere near acceptable.

Bob, Excellent work on reporting John Russell. flaws. Please remember everything he says and does comes from Neal Huntington. One of your writers  emailed me and said a manager only can lose 7 or 8 games a year(Chuck Finder). i believe he has match and exceeded that amount. We would be better off with a Robot as manager and the Nuttings could save a bunch of money for their newspaper business.

I believe many around the 'Burg were call for Jim Tracey's head much like they are now for Russell.  Tracey either all of a sudden learned how to manage or most likely went to an organization which has an owner that is committed to winning!

You can't polish a turd, and that is exactly what many of you are expecting from Russell (and before him, Tracey, McClendon, etc...)

RAISE THE JOLLY ROGER!

BOB ONE OTHER THING IN YOUR ARTICLE. HOW CAN YOU SAY HE IS ADEQUATE MANAGER????????

(How can I say that? Because I believe it. Considering the talent he has, I think he has done an adequate job. Not good, not bad -- adequate. -- Bob Smizik)

Thank you, Bob, for the great commentary. No wonder these players accept losing so easily. Talk about coddling. Russell  deserves, (as do most of his players), a public smack-down by his bosses.

Imagine Mike Tomlin informing the media he wasn't disappointed with a 2-6 first half. When does somebody around the PBC finally get *** off enough to call these losers out?

Bob Thank You for the answer!!!!!!

Pingback from  Morning links: All quiet in baseball

This team needs Russell's level-headed, non-emotional approach. Young players require patience not a ranting lunatic. The Great Jim Leyland won because he had talented players. When the talent dried up, he jumped ship - three times.

What was stupid about bringing in Stan Belinda in game seven in Atlanta? An abundantly more experienced and consistent pitcher was available. Bob Walk.

There is an interesting article in the Washington Post about whether Manny Acta was too laid back.  Includes some revealing discussion about Lastings Milledge and Acta's apparent ineffectiveness at holding him accountable.

www.washingtonpost.com/.../AR2009071403235.html

John Russell brings nothing to this team but a lineup card, how dare you write a columm about his comments and then say he is adequate, I dont know if you watch every game like I do. The Bucs have blown many of game due to his neglience, I mean I remember times when NYJER OR AMAC was on first and we were down one run and JR wouldnt have the guts to steal either one of those FERRARI'S , a coach isnt always the product of his talent, I compare RUSSELL to my 2 favorite BASEBALL COACHES of all time, JIMMY LEYLAND AND CHUCK TANNER, those guys had a special gift to have the pulse of the team and the UNCANNY ABILITY to light a fire when needed, JR NOT HIS FAULT, is who he is, he has no fire and that is another dimension he fails at....Lastly what happened SATURDAY NIGHT in the city of brotherly love was TRAGIC, JR sat there , almost afraid to pull CAPPS when HELEN KELLER could see he didnt have anything, Then he had the audacity to warm someone up , FOR WHAT !!!!!!!!!!!!! IF YOU NEED TO WARM SOMEONE UP THEN YOU HAVE YOUR ANSWER, GO TO THE MOUND AND GET HIM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, JR Is not a leader of men, you and I both know it but you just CONTRADICT YOURSELF so much you dont know what you really feel, I can read and you like myself know this guy is not right for the team ,...To read his comments make me think not only can he not coach but he is STUPID, How in the hell do you say the lineup in June was better than the one with NADY, BAY ETC, Just dumb,..Then he said he isnt dissapointed about the first half, well my goodness Bob , what would make him dissapointed, If the team didnt catch the bus and show up on gameday....I have no confidence in him and I know I am not alone...You know the truth but you had nothing else to write about.....BOB, I Love your work but take a stance and quit back peddaling on topics...

I thought I was finished but to see the team a season high 12 games back and he again say he is not DISSAPOINTED is so LUDACRIS that he should loose his job on that alone....He doesnt say much but when he does he sounds like a FOOL ...

Russell is content to baby sit while he gets a peay check every week.....the Bucs should have hired Phil Garner when thye could have (I guess they could now but he would probably pass)...get some guy with fire in there...and a link to the past good times...you dont think that would get fans excited?...and he is a battler on the field too

Bobby Valentine is in his last yr as a mgr in Japan..he would have...and would be... a good fit too...fiery...motivator.......leaders lead men... mannequins model unifomrs....it's not a lie if PBC thinks you'll believe it

Pingback from  Morning links: Yates’ replacement