The Search

Perrotto comes up with a list of 10 candidates that's a bit more in-depth than the PG's list from yesterday (via HW). Leyland, Macha, Howe, Pena, Fregosi, Jerry Manuel, Little, Mazilli, Tosca, Skinner. All ex-major managers. Skinner has the least experience as an interim in Cleveland who was passed over for Eric Wedge when the job opened up. Perrotto has a nice analysis of each one and if I had to guess, our next manager will probably come from this list. Among the names that haven't been prominently mentioned by the Pittsburgh media (Howe, Leyland, Macha) look for Manuel to emerge as a candidate, as he's worked with Littlefield in the past and did a good job with the young White Sox in the late 90s and early 00s.

Meanwhile at the PG, Art Howe practically jumps to volunteer himself for our opening. It's quite a departure from the other two names that come up often, Leyland (who has refused comment thus far) and Macha (who obviously can't comment due to his other obligations, you know, trying to manage the A's to a playoff berth). I don't really know what to think of Howe at this point as he was flat out awful in New York, though he was in a more or less unwinnable situation and has a good track record with young players. I may also be influenced by Moneyball, where a less than kind picture of Howe is painted.

Of course, no one really knows if Howe, or anyone else, is being considered by Littlefield. It is entirely possible he interviews people that aren't currently or originally from Pittsburgh, though I suspect the ownership would like to make this the best PR move possible, so he'll probably be forced to at least interview Leyland, Howe, and (if available) Macha.