Here’s the latest on coaching changes throughout MLB:
- The Rockies will bring back their entire coaching staff under manager Walt Weiss, Nick Groke of the Denver Post writes. That includes hitting coach Blake Doyle, bench coach Tom Runnells, pitching coach Steve Foster, and bullpen coach Darren Holmes.
- The Rockies will, however, lose mental skills coach Andy McKay to the Mariners, Bob Dutton of the Tacoma News Tribune reports. McKay will reportedly take over for Chris Gwynn as the organization’s farm director. Along with Gwynn, a number of minor-league coaches have also departed, signaling that new GM Jerry Dipoto is changing the way the Mariners develop prospects.
- Tigers pitching coach Jeff Jones has announced his retirement, James Schmehl of MLive.com notes. The team had previously announced that its entire coaching staff would be back next season, so the moves comes as a bit of a surprise, although perhaps not a huge one — Jones considered retiring after Jim Leyland’s departure in late 2013. In a statement, Jones said he wanted to spend more time with his family.
- Rangers pitching coach Mike Maddux’s contract expires at the end of the month, Evan Grant of DallasNews.com writes. The team has invited Maddux to return next season, but it’s unclear whether he will. One would think he would attract plenty of attention if he were to become available — Maddux’s tenure in Texas has been successful, and he’s highly respected throughout the game.
- The Diamondbacks are interviewing pitching coach candidates, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic writes. Bullpen coach Mel Stottlemyre Jr. was expected to be in the mix, but he wants to be closer to his father (who lives in Washington State) as he deals with cancer. The Diamondbacks now believe Stottlemyre is likely to take a position with the Mariners, who have requested permission to interview him. The Diamondbacks say they could consider up to six internal candidates and have requested permission to speak with others outside the organization.
- Former Cubs manager Rick Renteria has spoken with the Marlins about their managerial job, Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald writes (scroll down). The other known interviewees for the position include Larry Bowa, Manny Acta, Bo Porter, Phil Nevin and Alex Cora.
- Orioles first base coach Wayne Kirby will be back, Roch Kubatko of MASNsports.com tweets. Baltimore is working to retain all of its staff and has nearly done so.
Charlie Wilmoth contributed to this post.
Jeff Jones leaving the Tigers is a stunner. He was let go twice with previous manager’s, only to be rehired due to demand from the players. He did an incredible job with the staff during his time. Verlander, Scherzer and Porcello all developed under his watch. He even got the best out of Edwin Jackson. He will sorely be missed. I wonder who’s available to fill the role and whether it will be Ausmus or Avila choosing.
As a Nats fan, I can tell you that mccatty is fantastic and also very well respected so he would be a great choice for any opening.
Exactly how bad does it have to go for the Rockies before they decide SOME change is needed? Sometimes I question why I love this team so much.
Texas has enjoyed probably the best stretch of pitching success under Maddux they’ve ever had the last few years. I would think getting Maddux back should be a priority should he not get a managers job somewhere.
Wonder if Brewers will try making a run at bringing Maddux back? They’ve got a lot of young arms, and a manager in Counsell who played on teams when Maddux was there.