Nutting does homework

Dejan Kovacevic on the new, quiet leadership of the master fly-fisherman:

Nutting is not the type, his acquaintances inside and outside the Pirates' organization say, to make business decisions without first-hand information or experience. Although he has been the Pirates' chairman of the board since 2003, it was not until January that he supplanted McClatchy as principal owner. And it is from that point alone that he considers himself to have been in charge.

Since then, in addition to a surprising trip to the Dominican Republic in May to examine why the Pirates have fared so poorly at producing Latin American talent in the past decade, some close to Nutting say he has become deeply -- albeit quietly -- engrossed in many aspects of the team's operations, asking questions and seeking accountability along the way.

It does not sound like Nutting is much upset with Littlefield or Tracy, but Kovacevic does hint here that Nutting might find a qualified mentor and follow his advice. You know what that means ... FAX in your resumés. Sludgeworm's long career at the wastewater treatment plant will be hard to challenge, but you never know who will make what cut in the process.

Full story here.