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Tracy to be named new manager today
Tracy, 49, interviewed with general manager Dave Littlefield on Monday in Houston, but it was not immediately known whether he and Littlefield returned to Pittsburgh last night or headed to Bradenton, Fla., site of the team's organizational meetings.
Either way, sources said the Pirates will announce Tracy as their manager today.
The length and terms of Tracy's contract were not immediately available. Tracy, however, is believed to have gotten a raise above the $700,000 he was scheduled to make next season with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Reached in Houston early last night, Littlefield said he had not hired Tracy, who was the last of three candidates to interview for the managerial position.
Littlefield also said he wouldn't be in Pittsburgh until "the latter part of next week," but his plans may changed after he finalized his contract with Tracy.
Tracy, who was unavailable for comment, beat out former Oakland Athletics manager Ken Macha and Atlanta Braves third base coach Fredi Gonzalez.
Macha said he spoke by phone with Littlefield last night. Asked whether Littlefield had given him a decision, Macha declined comment and referred all questions to the general manager.
Tracy had a 427-383 record in five seasons with the Dodgers. His teams won 92 games in 2002 and 93 games in 2004 when the Dodgers won the National League West title and their first playoff game in 16 years.
"He has a very strong resume," Littlefield said.
Tracy was considered the front-runner because of his long association with Littlefield. They were employed by the Montreal Expos in the 1990s when Tracy was the team's bench coach.
"I know him and have a comfort level with him," Littlefield said. "It also has been a few years since we've worked together. I wanted to get up to date to make sure we still share the same ideas and philosophies."
Littlefield interviewed Macha, a Murrysville resident, at PNC Park on Sunday, then met with Tracy yesterday in Houston. Tracy's agent, Alan Hendricks, is based in Houston.
Littlefield said the location also was chosen because of geographical reasons.
"It's common ground," he said. "It's halfway for him, halfway for me."
Tracy and Macha also interviewed for the job in 2000 when Lloyd McClendon was selected to replace Gene Lamont. McClendon was fired Sept. 6, and Pete Mackanin managed the team on an interim basis for the final 26 games.
After spending five seasons with the Dodgers, Tracy parted company by mutual agreement with general manager Paul DePodesta one week ago. That decision came on the heels of a 71-91 record. DePodesta inherited Tracy as his manager, and the two did not see eye to eye on personnel decisions.
That does not figure to be a problem with Littlefield, with whom Tracy has enjoyed a strong relationship.
Macha also brought impressive credentials to the interview process. He had a 275-211 record in three seasons with the Athletics and reached the playoffs in 2003. He became available Wednesday when he and general manager Billy Beane could not reach an accord on a three-year contract.
Gonzalez is a candidate for the Florida Marlins job.
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