Coonelly: The Time Was Right To Extend Huntington & Hurdle
PITTSBURGH (93-7 The Fan) -Pittsburgh Pirates President Frank Coonelly joined Tab Douglas and Stacy Kauffman Sunday morning on The Fan to discuss the contract extensions for Manager Clint Hurdle and General Manager Neal Huntington.
"It was time to show longer term commitment to Neal and Clint." Coonelly said. "It was appropriate to reward their dedication and commitment."
Coonelly said that deals for both were agreed to in principle, but that the organization was unable to finalize everything in writing by Opening Day.
Coonelly says this organization knew that when the hired Neal Huntington as general manager in 2007 that there was a lot of work to do.
"We knew it was going to take time," Coonelly said. "I appreciate that our owner, Bob Nutting, gave us that time to get the job done."
Tab and Stacy also asked if there was an update on Jameson Taillion.
"I would not say it's good or bad," Coonelly said. "We are making sure that we are getting all of the best information to make the best decision about his treatment. We are being very careful. Jameson is a very important member of our organization so we want to make sure that we are making the right decisions."
Coonelly also said that they are happy with the results they are getting from Travis Ishikawa at first base thus far and no trades or other moves are imminent, but he would never say never.
Listen to the full interview with Coonelly here: