Here’s the latest coaching news from around the majors…
- In addition to Seitzer, the Braves have announced the hiring of Jose Castro as the assistant hitting coach. Castro, 56, has worked as a minor league hitting coach or coordinator with the Expos, Marlins, Padres and Mariners from 1990-2010 and served as the Cubs’ quality assurance coach last season.
- The Braves have hired Kevin Seitzer as their new hitting coach, MLB.com’s Mark Bowman reports. The hiring could be officially announced as soon as today. Seitzer served as the Blue Jays’ hitting coach in 2014, meaning Toronto now has a vacancy to fill. Seitzer also previously worked as a hitting coach with the Royals (2009-12) and Diamondbacks (2007).
- Seitzer and the Blue Jays couldn’t settle on a new contract, which led Seitzer to explore options elsewhere, Sportsnet.ca’s Shi Davidi reports. The Jays are now looking for a new hitting coach in addition to a new bullpen coach, though the rest of the coaching staff is under contract for 2015.
- The Athletics have hired Mike Aldrete as their new bench coach, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports, with the hiring expected to be announced today. Aldrete, a Bay Area native, spent the last three seasons as the Cardinals’ bench coach and four seasons prior to that as St. Louis’ assistant hitting coach.
- The Rays don’t know who their next manager will be, but they’re planning on keeping their current coaches, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times writes. A new manager will usually add some of his own staff, but that won’t be the case with the Rays, who want to ensure continuity regardless of who manages next year. Topkin points out that could be good news for bench coach Dave Martinez, who could be a candidate for the managerial job.
Im not surpirsed Seltzer left the Jays; when they were rumoured to have interest in Long, I knew it was a matter of days when we would hear Kevin would leave
I think it’s silly considering how bad the Yankees offense has been the last two seasons.
If the Rays want continuity, they better make Martinez the manager.
If the Rays want to improve their offense, they need to get rid of Derek Shelton. He led the league’s worst offense for the Indians before the Rays picked him up and players with incredible potential have floundered under his tutelage. He can’t teach players *not* to strike out. I wonder if the Yankees or Red Sox are paying him to mess with the Rays hitters… Anyway, his continued presence on this team baffles me. [Then again, I am not a major league talent evaluator, so clearly the management sees something in him…]
I roll my eyes when I see the speedhitter commercial. Maybe he should change careers and go into marketing somewhere else. His offense(s) been awful since I can remember.
I won’t let my little leaguers touch that thing.
Sorry to see Mike Aldrete leave the Cardinals. He was a very good bench coach. He won’t be easy to replace.
I think they need to bring in someone with a bit of managing experience to help Matheny more with in-game decisions. Joe Maddon wouldn’t be a bad choice (kidding here, of course)
actually would like to see maddon as the cards next bench coach,
I would be shocked if Dave Martinez isn’t named manager of the Rays. He’s paid his dues and is more than qualified.