Pirates fire Tracy after two seasons

Jim Tracy was fired as manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday after two seasons filled with long losing streaks and little discernible progress.

Tracy’s patience and back-patting weren’t enough to turn around the Pirates. He produced records of 67-95 in 2006 and 68-94 this season, the shortest run of any non-interim Pirates manager since Bill Virdon was fired late into his second season in 1973.

Tracy’s departure and that of three in the baseball operations department mean the Pirates will have new front office and on-field leadership in 2008, headed by President Frank Coonelly, General Manager Neal Huntington and a still-to-be-hired manager. Coonelly and Huntington took over last month, and spent the five days since the season ended weighing a decision on Tracy.

Tracy’s departure appeared imminent since former general manager Dave Littlefield, who chose Tracy two years ago, was fired Sept. 7. Tracy was to make $1 million in the final year of his contract.

Coaches Jim Lett, Jim Colborn, Jeff Manto, Jeff Cox, John Shelby and Bobby Cuellar were not fired but encouraged to seek other jobs. The new manager will have the choice of keeping any of them.

San Diego Padres outfielder Milton Bradley was fined but not suspended for his confrontation with umpire Mike Winters. Winters previously was suspended for inciting Bradley.

Bob Watson, baseball’s vice president in charge of discipline, said that Bradley was not suspended “because no contact was made” during the eighth inning at San Diego on Sept. 23.

Tom Glavine declined his $13-million option with the New York Mets, making himself eligible for free agency. The 41-year-old left-hander, who got his 300th win this year, gets a $3-million buyout in addition to his $7.5-million salary this season.

Glavine’s contract called for him to make a decision by the fifth day after the Mets concluded their season. He was 13-8 with a 4.45 earned-run average in 34 starts over 200 1/3 innings.

Oakland A’s third baseman Eric Chavez will undergo back surgery next week and is expected to be ready by spring training.

The injury-plagued six-time Gold Glove third baseman had surgery on his right shoulder early in September. His back surgery will be Tuesday in Los Angeles.

Chavez appeared in only 90 games this season and spent the final two months on the disabled list. He batted .240 with 15 home runs and 46 RBIs.