Because we always love an article that mispells Andrew McCutchen’s name, we give you the link to Clint Hurdle’s interview today in Indianapolis where Hurdle was the keynote speaker for the Indianapolis Indians Annual Hot Stove Luncheon.

The usual questions are asked to the Pirates skipper including the twenty year losing streak.

You’ve got to honor the perception of others from time to time within our game. We definitely honor the perception of our fan base. I know they were feeling it last season (when the Pirates were 16 games above .500 in late July). I really believe when you’re on track and you’re heading in the right direction, things get more difficult, the closer you get to it. We’re very close to it. We’re going to do it

It was interesting to note that Hurdle, who is in his third season as the Bucs skipper, once played in Indianapolis 31 years ago where he won an American Association Championship at Busch Stadium.  The Hot Stove Lunchon was held on Thursday with just a few weeks before the ballclub convenes in Bradenton, Florida for Spring Training.

Hurdle was in Bradenton this week and spoke to some of my friends who are attending Pittsburgh Pirates Fantasy Camp.  It’s cool to see the big man making his rounds to the cities within the Pirates farm system.

Hurdle played ten seasons for the Kansas City Royals, Cincinnati Reds, New York Mets and St. Louis Cardinals.

Hurdle spoke with The Star’s Phillip B. Wilson prior to the luncheon at the J.W. Marriott.  We aren’t sure who misspelled McCutchen’s name in the story, but it certainly gets old.

Link to the Indy Star interview with Hurdle

Clint Hurdle joined the RumBunter podcast this week.

Pat Lackey (of  WHYGAVS ) and First-year Pirates fan & blogger soxdetox joined host Cocktailsfor2. MVP Adam produced another great episode we know you will love.

Coach Hurdle answered questions about The Collapse of 2012, James McDonald and the pitching staff, Rod Barajas and more in his typical “no-B.S.” manner, because, let’s face it – Clint Hurdle doesn’t flinch.  Hurdle handles everything in the same manner – straight forward and full steam ahead, without worrying about giving a politically correct or expedient answer.

Pat and detox give their interesting and often quite funny views on the Pirates 2012 season, the highs, the lows, and everything in between.

If you missed Hurdle’s resume here it is:

Clint Hurdle was named manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates on November 15, 2010, becoming the 39th manager in the organization’s 125-year history. The 2012 season marked his 38th in professional baseball.

For most of the first four months of the 2011 season, Hurdle had the Pirates at the top or near the top of the N.L. Central standings. His club went 16-11 during the month of June and led the division with a 48-43 record on July 15. Despite being beset by injuries to their two starting catchers, a member of the starting rotation and their main setup man in the bullpen, the 2011 Pirates went a season-high seven games over .500 with a 51-44 record on July 19. The Pirates spent their final day in first place on July 25 and went 19-43 from that point on. Hurdle captured his 600th career managerial victory with the Pirates’ 5-4 win over the Astros at PNC Park on September 7.

For his efforts in 2011, Hurdle received a pair of third-place votes in the balloting for N.L. Manager-of-the-Year and finished tied for sixth in the overall voting, which was won by Arizona manager Kirk Gibson. Hurdle spent the 2010 season as the Hitting Coach of the American League champion Texas Rangers, a club that led the Major Leagues with a .276 batting average during the regular season – paced by A.L. MVP Josh Hamilton (.359 average, 32 home runs and 100 RBI) and Vladimir Guerrero (.300 average, 29 home runs and 115 RBI).

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The Rumbunter Podcast (Vol. 2 Ep.15)

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Hurdle talked about the things that Pedro Alvarez can do.

The Bucs skipper discussed the many one run games in the mix after the 19th inning win over St. Louis.

“We just need to play better baseball.  They don’t need to be instructed day in and day out.”  Clint Hurdle

Hurdle said he told Pedro get two homers, get two hits, they clap for you when you strike out.  +1

When Todd said he thought Alvarez was gregarious, the new smart-ass Hurdle said he was there.   In several interviews lately it seems the tense Hurdle is coming out with some of his comments.  It’s probably just us, as everyone in this town loves Clint Hurdle.

About the beanball last night, Hurdle said he shared his thoughts with Joe Torre.

When asked about the long leash, Hurdle says he doesn’t swear a lot.  He came back with a bit of a joke saying it didn’t prevent him from getting thrown out eight or nine times last season.

Todd asked about the long leash he has given veterans, Hurdle said he measures risk versus reward.  The Bucs skipper said he gets electrocuted at the super market about Clint Barmes and Rod Barajas.  He said Barajas has gotten more out of the pitching staff.  Compliments were given to Michael McKenry.  Hurdle said he will always protect his players and won’t go into detail with the media.  The words slow heart beat came out as it typically does when he defends Barmes and Barajas.

Justin Wilson, Jeff Locke, and Bryan Morris were brought up by Todd who said should we assume they won’t come in and be an elixir.  Hurdle said about carrying one long reliever, so addding one would be ideal.  He also said about early matchups in games.  Hurdle talked about looking at players that might not have an option.  Chase D’Arnaud’s speed was discussed.  Hurdle mentioned looking at another speed option in the Indy outfield, but Hurdle made a point to say he doesn’t want to steal players from Indy.

Todd asked about game decisions being second guessed and he asked a good question about revisiting past series and looking ahead at future series.  Hurdle said he sometimes reaches out, and sometimes Huntington calls him to share thoughts.

Hurdle said he won’t bat a thousand.  Ive never showed up at a ballpark and said I am going to ratchet things up tonight.  Dan Fox is as good a systems analysis expert as there in the game.  I have to be able to trust my gut and trust my eyes.  I need to be judged accordingly.

I am not going to hide.  I am not Casey Stengel.  Todd said he might be funnier than Casey.  Hurdle came back with the line, ‘funny don’t win you ball games.’

The bullpen usage was discussed.  Comfort zone, human element, and tried stretching Hanrahan last season was brought up by Hurdle.  The poor success by Hanrahan in being stretched out was mentioned.

You can always argue the stat element, but I am dealing with the human element.  You look at numbers and can say anyone can go out there and get three outs.  And then I watch it and it’s hardest thing from the truth.

Here is the link to 970 ESPN.  The interview will be up in a podcast.  David Todd on Twitter