Hurdle is proving my theory that many managers are better in their second job (i.e., Terry Francona, Charlie Manuel, Bruce Bochy, Joe Girardi, etc.). Hurdle has been masterful as this team makes the most out of having scored the fewest runs in the majors. His bullpen usage has been so sharp he has used pitchers three consecutive days only twice. He twice pulled McDonald from games for a pinch-hitter after just four innings -- and won both games. He has given Barmes and Alvarez three straight days out of the lineup as a "mental break" to snap a slump; each one came back swinging a hot bat.
The manager also has encouraged his players to run the bases aggressively. The Pirates are among the four best teams in the league at taking the extra base.
"I was there in Texas with Ron [Washington] when he stressed aggressive baserunning," said Hurdle, the former hitting coach. "Well, you have to live through that cutting-of-the-teeth period. Everybody now talks about how the Rangers run the bases, but back then we ran into a lot of outs, but that's part of changing the mindset. And we're in that cutting-the-teeth period now."
Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/w ... z1xiQ0PiQr

The team that in recent years passed up Zack Greinke, Prince Fielder, Jered Weaver, Clayton Kershaw, Tim Lincecum, Matt Wieters, Madison Bumgarner, Eric Hosmer and Buster Posey to take Bryan Bullington, Neil Walker, Brad Lincoln, Daniel Moskos and Pedro Alvarez with top-11 picks in the draft.

OK- now THAT hurt!