Multiple reports are indicating that the Pittsburgh Pirates have hired Texas Ranger hitting coach Clint Hurdle to be their new manager.
Disappointing news, but not surprising. Hurdle was a fairly well-regarded manager during his time as the Colorado Rockies' manager, and he was in the mix for a couple of jobs this offseason.
I suspect the Rangers knew when they hired him that there was a good chance he'd only be in place for a season or two.
The Rangers are now going to have to start looking for a new hitting coach. I have no idea at this point who the candidates might be.