Clint Hurdle is the man for the job
In what Pirates President Frank Coonelly called an “exhaustive search process,” the Pittsburgh baseball club has their man.
Hurdle comes to the Steel City after being a part of two of the last three World Series. The batting coach for the Rangers, who happened to have the league’s highest team batting average is notoriously known for his tenure as manager of the Colorado Rockies. He was at the helm of the Rockies from 2002 until the beginning of 2009. In that time span he oversaw the development of young prospects such as Brad Hawpe, Troy Tulowitzki, Clint Barmes, Garett Atkins and Matt Holliday. That litany of potential is rivaled by that of the crop of youngsters the Pirates currently have now and the likes that are rising through the system.
The experience and track record of Hurdle are one thing, but there are plenty more characteristics to attribute to this well rounded man.
Hurdle exudes confidence.
Even the harshest critics of the Pirates buy into the demeaner of Hurdle.
Ahem, Ron Cook.
Cook said, “He’s better than the franchise deserves.”
Hurdle has already implemented catchphrases that the Pirates marketing team needs to play on.
Describing his team as a “wolfpack,” Hurdle said he plans for everyone involved with the organization to go “all in.”
I’ve been all in 21 years of my life, Clint. I’m ready for more to join me.
Aside from his on the field duties, Hurdle is a family man.
His family of four is a tight-knit groupe for good reasons. His daughter suffers from Prader-Willi
syndrome, a disease with 1 in 25,000 probability. Hurdle said a big reason why he chose the Pittsburgh job was to be close to specialized medical facilites in the city that cater especially to patients with the rare syndrome.
All in all, Hurdle took the job to meet objectives. He wante dto get back into managing and had a chance to take the Mets job. Both New York and Pittsburgh are in rebuilding situations but there is just something lucrative about bringing a forgotten team back to prominence. Hurdle sees that and wants to be the man to right the ship.
He has already began a grassroots campaign in Pittsburgh since it was announced he would be hired. Hurdle was seen Sunday at the Steelers game and Monday at the Penguins games. The Pirates play third fiddle in Pittsburgh so its good that Hurdle is petitioning for some noteriety. In the business thats called good public relations.
The Pirates really haven’t seen that in the last three, make the 18 years.
photo credits:postgazette.com, yahoo.com
The Pittsburgh Peas 
Good luck…hope Hurdle works out for ya. Didn’t know that about his daughter…sad. Glad he did what was right for his family :O)
Jenn
http://philliesphollowers.mlblogs.com/
I like Hurdle in Pittsburgh, this should have been no brainer choice for him over the Mets job, he has so many more possibilities in the burgh….
-peter
Phillies Outside
Matt,
I truly think Hurdle is the best man for the job of getting the foundation set for a Pirates team that will not only beat the losing season streak, but provide countless moments to remember in the Pirates near future.
Hurdle understands the trials and tribulations of a young player and has the fortitude and gump to tell it like it is to provide an honest and trusting environment in the clubhouse and on the field.
Great pick for Manager, and can’t wait to see his first change this Spring.
Rays Renegade
http://raysrenegade.mlblogs.com
The Pirates are due and it could be this year. Nice choice!
—Mark Gauthier
http://cubden.mlblogs.com/
I think you have a nice young core of position players, but the pitching isn’t quite their yet. Clint is the right man for the job.
http://shortrightfield.blogspot.com/