Many teams are putting the finishing touches on their coaching staffs, though there are still some openings. Here are the latest moves:
- The Rangers announced that they have hired Julio Rangel as their new pitching coach. He’ll come over from the Giants organization, where he had served as the minor-league pitching coordinator. The 43-year-old Rangel also spent 11 years in the Indians system but has never previously worked at the MLB level as a player or coach.
- Rounding out their staff under new skipper Rocco Baldelli, the Twins announced the additions of third-base coach Tony Diaz and first-base coach Tommy Watkins. The 31-year-old Diaz comes over from the Rockies, while Watkins is moving up from a minor-league managerial role in the Minnesota system. Yesterday, the club finalized deals with its coaches dedicated to pitching.
- Also departing the Rockies will be hitting coach Duane Espy, the club announced. It’s not clear what the team’s plans are in this area. For the time being, at least, assistant hitting coach Jeff Salazar is evidently remaining in his role.
- The Blue Jays will hire Guillermo Martinez to become their new hitting coach, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports. Martinez is just 34 years of age, but obviously made quite an impression in his first year as minor-league hitting coordinator in Toronto. He played professionally but never reached the majors. Previously, Martinez coached in the minors with the Jays and Cubs.
- To complete their staff, the Phillies announced, they’ll install Dave Lundquist as assistant pitching coach. He was most recently the organization’s Triple-A pitching coach, so this was a natural profession. The former big leaguer has worked his way up the chain in the Philadelphia organization since landing there in 2008.
Glad to see the Rangers get rid of Brocail. Rangel is another coach with Latin roots. Supposed to be a big time communicator with a ton of positive energy. Interesting that he helped the Indians minor league teams with mental aspects of the game. This is a skill that should come in handy with the youngsters that the Rangers have. Wish he would have had a little more experience, but seems to be a good fit for a rebuilding team.
Every time I see Bannister or Brocail’s name, I get frustrated all over again that we lost Mike Maddux. I really wanted to see him become the Manager when Wash got the boot.
Agreed – Maddux was a superstar for this team. Once he left it hasn’t been the same since.
Loved him as pitching coach. Not sure he would’ve been a good manager hire.
Glad the Rangers didn’t steal Ruben Niebla from the Tribe. I’m hoping he eventually ends up as their major league pitching coach.
It looks like we’re seeing a sea change in this area. Gone are the days when the coach was an old buddy of the manager, or who knew who the GM’s girl friend was. They used to be minor functionaries, and, if you believe Jim Bouton, spies for the FO; beyond that, they had little value.
And there’s more of them. It wasn’t long ago that “Bench Coach” was invented. Now, you have a Bench Coach and a Field Co-Ordinator, to go along with the traditional posts.
Pretty good changes, IMHO….more professional, better flow of information…..
Come Spring Training we will be told the Jays new hitting coach is the best. Majority of Jays fans will buy in. Can’t wait.
Welcome to Ranger Baseball and good luck working with what you’ll be given.
As usual Twins are making a lot of NO signings