The Post-Gazette writes that Huntington’s “million-dollar question” comment shouldn’t necessarily indicate that John Russell will be fired, but that Coonelly will make a decision on Huntington himself after the season, and if Huntington stays on, both will make a decision on Russell:
That phrase was interpreted by some as a commentary on Russell’s status. But Huntington commonly uses that phrase when asked a question he feels he cannot answer at the time, and he affirmed Friday at Sun Life Stadium that the phrase meant nothing beyond that.
Team president Frank Coonelly, in consultation with owner Bob Nutting, will decide the fate of all baseball personnel, including Huntington, going into 2011. If Huntington is retained, he will be involved in any decision involving Russell and the coaching staff.