Ex-Phillies catcher Russell to interview for manager's job

PHILADELPHIA -- Former Philadelphia Phillies catcher John Russell will be the seventh person to interview for the team's vacant managerial position.

Russell, who currently serves as the Pittsburgh Pirates' third base coach, will meet with Phillies officials next week, general manager Ed Wade said Wednesday.

Former manager Larry Bowa was fired with two games remaining in the Phillies' disappointing season that left them in second place in the NL East, 10 games behind the Atlanta Braves.

Russell was a first-round pick by the Phillies in 1982 and spent his first five major league seasons with the club.

The Phillies have already scheduled interviews next week with former managers Jim Fregosi, who guided the team to the World Series in 1993, and Buddy Bell. Atlanta hitting coach Terry Pendleton will also be interviewed.

Bell's son, David, is the Phillies' regular third baseman.

Other former managers, Don Baylor, Charlie Manuel and Grady Little, have already been interviewed by Philadelphia.

John Vukovich, a coach with the Phillies for the past 17 seasons, has accepted a new position as the special assistant to the general manager, Wade said.