Former Dodgers manager Jim Tracy appears to be the front-runner for the Pittsburgh Pirates' job that opened last month when Lloyd McClendon was fired during his fifth consecutive losing season. Tracy and Pirates general manager Dave Littlefield have ties dating to their days together in the Montreal Expos' organization, when Tracy managed at Double-A Harrisburg -- his 1993 team had a 94-44 record -- and Triple-A Ottawa, and Littlefield was a scouting supervisor and the director of player development. Littlefield said Tuesday he hasn't spoken to Tracy, but would do so within a day. ``We'll be in contact soon,'' Littlefield said. ``He's a strong candidate. He's experienced -- he's managed on the minor league and big league level.''