What's happened
Lloyd Lamont, former manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates, has returned to the team as a special consultant and de facto bench coach under new manager Don Kelly. This marks Lamont's third tenure with the Pirates, as he aims to help revitalize a struggling team currently in last place in the NL Central.
What's behind the headline?
Coaching Dynamics
- Lamont's Experience: With a history of managing the Pirates and coaching in the majors, Lamont brings valuable experience to a team struggling with a 15-32 record.
- Kelly's Leadership: As a first-time manager, Kelly's collaboration with Lamont could provide the guidance needed to navigate tough game situations.
Team Performance
- Current Struggles: The Pirates have lost 10 of their last 11 games, highlighting the urgency for improvement.
- Potential for Growth: Lamont believes the team has more talent than their record suggests, emphasizing the need for better execution on the field.
Future Outlook
- Immediate Challenges: The Pirates face a tough schedule ahead, needing to capitalize on home games to turn their season around.
- Long-term Goals: If Lamont and Kelly can effectively communicate and strategize, the Pirates may begin to see a turnaround in their performance as the season progresses.
What the papers say
According to AP News, Lamont's return is seen as a strategic move to leverage his extensive experience in guiding a struggling team. Lamont stated, "I think we’re a much better team than we’ve played," indicating optimism about the players' potential. Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Pirates' management is hopeful that this coaching change will spark a turnaround, as noted in another AP report highlighting Kelly's promotion and the team's recent struggles. The Independent also emphasizes the personal connection between Lamont and Kelly, which could foster a collaborative environment as they work to improve the team's performance.
How we got here
Lloyd Lamont, 78, previously managed the Pirates from 1997 to 2000 and has been called back to assist after the firing of Derek Shelton. Don Kelly, who was promoted from bench coach to manager, is looking to improve the team's performance amid a disappointing season.
Go deeper
- What impact will Lamont have on the team?
- How did Don Kelly become the manager?
- What are the Pirates' chances of improving this season?
Common question
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How Did the Pirates End Their Losing Streak?
The Pittsburgh Pirates recently broke a seven-game losing streak with a thrilling walk-off victory against the Atlanta Braves. This win not only boosts the team's morale but also raises questions about their future performance and key players involved in the game. Let's dive into the details of this exciting turnaround.
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