Pirates manager Clint Hurdle talks 2013 lineup
By Matt Shetler
No one wants to see the Pittsburgh Pirates become a winning team more than Pittsburgh Pirates’ manager Clint Hurdle. Say what you want about him as a manager, and the criticisms are fair, but Hurdle is truly passionate about returning this franchise to their winning ways.
October 2, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates manager Clint Hurdle (13) reacts in the dugout against the Atlanta Braves during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-US PRESSWIRE
After the 2012 season ended with a 4-0 loss to the Atlanta Braves, Hurdle showed his disappointment with the way the season ended, but also quickly got excited about 2013.
Hurdle started talking about his lineup for next season by saying:
"“(Andrew) McCutchen will play center, (Clint) Barmes will play short, (Pedro) Alvarez will play third, (Neil) Walker will play second, and (catcher Michael) McKenry is going to be back,” Hurdle said during his post-game press conference."
He also added that Garrett Jones and Gaby Sanchez will compete for the first base job and that Alex Presley and Jose Tabata will have to fight off Starling Marte and Travis Snider to regain the starting spots that they had in 2012.
With that being said, Hurdle seems content with the team that he has and I wouldn’t expect any major changes to take place other than adding a couple of bench pieces.
Who knows if that’s good news or bad news, but the Pirates do have talent. It’s on Hurdle to bring that talent out on a consistent basis next season.