Zduriencik to interview for the Pirates GM job? (Latest: Jack seems safe for now)

[SheetsCyYoung04]

Painting the corners

• Expect the Pirates to seek permission to interview Jack Zduriencik, Milwaukee's special assistant to the GM and director of amateur scouting, any day now. Melvin said that he hadn't been asked before the Brewers game at Houston on Monday.

"There's probably going to be a time this week that that will happen, but that's Pittsburgh's decision [whether] to tell the media," Melvin said. "I talked to [new Pittsburgh CEO] Frank Coonelly earlier, and I anticipate that they will [ask] in the next few days."

Zduriencik is in his eighth season with the Brewers, and before coming to Milwaukee, he was director of international scouting and special assistant to the GM for the Dodgers. Before that he held jobs with the Mets and the Pirates. Among the draftees Milwaukee signed under Zduriencik are Prince Fielder, J.J. Hardy and Rickie Weeks.

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I know Colby linked a blog post earlier in the year. It would be a shame to lose him, but it would be a great opportunity for him.

Edit Colby's link from draft forum: http://buccoblog.mlblogs.com/my_weblog/2007/08/reruns_retreads.html

[MadScientist]

He deserves to be considered for a GM position. I'd hate to see him go, and especially to another team in the division.

[chuckiehacks]

Pittsburgh paper reporting that Pittsburgh is going with Neal Huntington, Cleveland's Assistant GM. At least they went for someone with a player development background.

 

Looks like Zduriencik is safe here for a while.

[brewmann04]

HORRAY THE BEST BEWER NEWS IN A FEW DAYS

[TooLiveBrew]

This is fantastic news for the short-term, but it does seem just a matter of time before Jack Z will latch on as a GM somewhere, especially given the increased focus on guys that are "scout-y" or "player development-y" in MLB hirings. It seems that it used to be that a 'proven track record' was the most desirable, whereas now more teams are focusing on building from within, rather than utilizing FA to construct their squads. I hope Jack can stay with the Brewers and help us win for as long as possible, but I'll certainly be one of the first to say "congrats" when his time comes!

[sbrylski]

Yes, its only a matter of time before Jack gets his wish and becomes a GM. I sure hope its for one of my favorite AL teams...