PITTSBURGH — Who wins, and loses, the ALCS may determine whether the Pittsburgh Pirates' search for a new manager remains on a slow pace or begins to speed up.

Pirates general manager Neal Huntington had been on the job for less than two weeks when former manager Jim Tracy was fired on Oct. 5 after the Pirates lost 189 games the last two seasons.

As a result, Huntington is searching for an assistant general manager, a scouting director and several other front office executives at the same time he is seeking a manager. He may prefer to first choose an assistant GM who could assist in the manager's search.

Huntington formed a list of potential managerial candidates, but is declining to reveal any names. The team does not plan to announce when interviews are being held.

Among those the Pirates may be interested in interviewing are Red Sox pitching coach John Farrell, a former Cleveland director of player development; Indians third base coach Joel Skinner; and Cleveland Triple-A manager Torey Lovullo.

Huntington was a special assistant to Indians GM Mark Shapiro before being hired by new Pirates president Frank Coonelly.

Huntington on Wednesday was involved in the second of three days of meetings with scouts and other team officials to evaluate players. The discussions were held in advance of the start of free agency, which begins 15 days after the World Series ends.

Huntington also spent several days at the Pirates' spring training complex in Bradenton, Fla., where extensive renovations are under way.

A new players' dorm is being built at the Pirate City minor league complex and lights are being installed for the first time at McKechnie Field, where the Pirates play their exhibition games.