Pirates manager runs out of time

By wire services
Published September 7, 2005

PITTSBURGH - Lloyd McClendon was the first Pirates manager brought back after four straight losing seasons. One loss away from a fifth, the Pirates decided they wanted someone else running the club.

McClendon, an aggressive former player known for his competitiveness and frequent run-ins with umpires, was fired Tuesday after averaging more than 90 losses since 2001 for a perennially noncontending team.

Bench coach Pete Mackanin will be the interim manager for the rest of the season.

The Pirates, who this season began a concerted effort to rebuild with youth, were 55-81 going into Tuesday night's game against Arizona and were tied with Colorado for the NL's worst record.

The Pirates held a club option on McClendon for 2006 and, after reaching .500 on June 11, began talking to him about next season. But the Pirates have since lost 51 of 76 and appear headed for their fourth season of 90 or more losses since 1999.

"The way we've played the last three months hasn't been up to our capabilities," general manager Dave Littlefield said. "We have higher expectations with the players we have. We should be performing better."

BONDS STILL SITS: Giants outfielder Barry Bonds put in a rigorous workout but was not activated off the disabled list.

Bonds was on the Dodger Stadium field well before his teammates, lightly running the bases, shagging fly balls, taking swings and doing cutting drills. Later, he took his turn with the rest of the Giants in the batting cage.

Bonds will be evaluated this morning at the Kerlan-Jobe Clinic.

The Associated Press also reported that earlier this season Bonds tussled with pitcher Jason Christiansen in the clubhouse lunchroom at SBC Park in a dispute about one of the slugger's trainers. Christiansen apparently was frustrated with Harvey Shields, Bonds' personal stretch man now employed by the team, according to AP. Christiansen was traded to the Angels last week.

BRAVES: Centerfielder Andruw Jones became the first Atlanta player to be selected NL Player of the Month twice in a season. Jones, who also won in June, led the league in August with 11 homers and had 29 RBIs.

CARDINALS: After missing nearly two months with a broken leg, outfielder Reggie Sanders expects to be activated during the team's 10-game homestand.

CUBS: Right-hander Kerry Wood, who rejoined the team after shoulder surgery, said he expects to be ready for spring training.

METS: Right-hander Jae Seo has pitched his way into the rotation, manager Willie Randolph said. Right-hander Victor Zambrano, who hasn't made a relief appearance since June 2004 with the Devil Rays, will move to the bullpen. In nine starts, Seo is 7-1 with a 1.79 ERA. Zambrano (7-11, 4.17) was traded last year for left-hander Scott Kazmir, who has had a strong rookie season for Tampa Bay.

[Last modified September 7, 2005, 01:02:19]