The Tigers have hired Joe Vavra to join the staff of new skipper Ron Gardenhire, LaVelle E. Neal III of the Star Tribune reports. Vavra had been employed as the bench coach with the Twins but will become “quality control coach” in his new job, per Anthony Fenech of the Detroit Free-Press (via Twitter).
Gardenhire, of course, previously managed in Minnesota. Vavra had never served as his bench coach, but slid into that role under Paul Molitor when he took over for Gardenhire.
Another former Twins coach is also joining the Detroit staff, per the report. Rick Anderson, who served as the pitching coach under Gardenhire, is “expected” to become the Tigers’ bullpen coach.
While the move fills some staff vacancies for the Tigers, it creates a new opening for the Twins. The club had previously announced that it was retaining Vavra and others, after hammering out a new deal with Molitor. Now, it’ll be back on the market for a bench coach.
Va-va-va Vavra!
I don’t want a large Vavra I want a liter of cola!!!
nice!
Whoever down voted this needs to delete their account
Haha Rick Anderson?? Of course.
Any indication of what a “quality control coach” is supposed to be doing? Can’t say I’ve seen that one before. Is this just another job renamed, a consolidation of two or more jobs or something new?
knowing Ronnie, it means finding the best buffet , and where to order bulk sunflower seeds
Correct me if I’m wrong, but I believe it means he is a coach that controls quality of things.
Any “things” in particular or just things? Doubt they’re paying him enough to control the quality of everything.
Seems like a position that a man in charge gives to a longtime friend that needs the money and/or is “down and out”. I doubt that in this case, but it seems like this guy will just be cashing a check.
The quality control coach replaces the bat rack specialist, cleat traction supervisor, and rosin bag engineer
From what I’ve read, it varies by team but generally they are helping facilitate communication between the analytics dept and the players and coaches and also overseeing the quality of work on fundamentals throughout they system.
Sounds reasonable. Thanks.
I think those are guys who are extra coach but during game their in the back watching game live so if manager want to challenge than they have to get the confirm from that coach if it worth challenging it… I could be wrong but that Chris Prieto of mariners was doing as first it was quality coach than renamed to special assignment coach..
Look like Lloyd McClendon is staying on Rod Gardenhired staff as 3rd base coach
Gene Lamont has been told he won’t be coming back. Any word on Dave Clark?
Dave Clark is feeling “Glad All Over”. Asked if he minds not having a coaching job, he said “I Like It Like That.”
Gardenhire is bringing in his homies. I’m glad I’m a Twins fan and not a Tigers fan.
Now Gardy must find a lefty-hitting second baseman, and ALWAYS hit him second in the lineup.
Oh, and find a spot for Nick Punto.
He hit Nishioka second?
sign Scotty Ullger and get the band back together
not without Matt “Guitar” Murphy…
Look for the Tigers bullpen to get both its BB/9 and K/9 rates down to about 0
Exciting! Game 6 of the WS and we are reading about Joe Farfalla? WHOGAS?
Hiring Vara is the greatest hire in the history of the Tigers. He knows quality and understands the important needs of the infielders and repairing the outfield. He can also drive the team bus in an emergency. Plus he can help with vacation trips for the guys to Vara Cruise
Rick Anderson is a putz!! JD396…good one lol!!
Idk why Gardy wants all the same guys again…didn’t do him much good when he was here. Retreads are retreads for a reason. At some point it’s time to move on from your drinking buddies and get some baseball guys in there. Kinda like when the Twins got rid of Terry Ryan. Good luck with that group Detroit!!!
Looks like it’s McClendon back as hitting coach and Clark back at third, per Anthony Fenech.
As a Twins fan all I have to say to Tigers fans is at least it’s just the bullpen coach and some position that sounds like they just wanted Vavra on the staff but didn’t want him doing anything important. I love Gardy as a manager but one of his down falls was the coaches he chose to be on his staff.