Former Indians manager Eric Wedge interviews with Pirates

Pirates interview former Indians manager Wedge

PITTSBURGH — Former Indians manager Eric Wedge is the first managerial candidate to interview with the Pittsburgh Pirates as they seek John Russell’s successor.

The Indians won more than 80 games four times and twice won more than 90 under Wedge from 2003-09. He was fired following a 65-97 season a year ago, after the Indians shed numerous players in an effort with rebuild — as the Pirates also have done.

Wedge’s 2007 Indians went 96-66 and led the AL championship series 3-1 before Boston rallied to win the pennant. Wedge was 561-573 (.495) with Cleveland despite 90 losses-plus seasons during his first and last seasons.

Pirates general manager Neal Huntington worked in Cleveland’s front office for most of Wedge’s first five seasons.