The Mariners have announced their coaching staff for 2023, with only a couple of changes compared to 2022. Trent Blank will move from his role as bullpen coach to a new title of major league coach and director of pitching strategy. Stephen Vogt, who just retired from playing a few months ago, will join the staff as quality control coach and take over Blank’s bullpen coach duties.
Vogt, 38, makes a quick transition to coaching after a lengthy playing career. Originally selected by the Rays in the 12th round of the 2007 draft, he went on to play 794 games in the majors for the Rays, A’s, Brewers, Giants, Diamondbacks and Braves. In September of 2022, while playing with Oakland, he announced that he would retire from playing once that season was completed.
The fact that he has now made a quick leap into coaching just a few months later shouldn’t come as a shock. Vogt has been open about his future managerial aspirations for some time, discussing the matter back in 2020. Vogt has also drawn praise about his managerial potential from current skippers. “Definitely has a future in managing,” were the words used by Bob Melvin, current Padres manager and formerly with the A’s, when speaking to Janie McAuley of the Associated Press last year. Current A’s manager Mark Kotsay also had praise for Vogt, speaking to John Shea of the San Francisco Chronicle in October. “I do think he’d be a good manager,” Kotsay said. “Big personality. Gamer. Intense. Driven. You could see all those traits. Catchers seem to make great managers. They see the game from a different perspective. One of my best friends, who’s manager of the Brewers, Craig Counsell, said Stephen is probably going to be the next manager of the Brewers.”
Though many are predicting that Vogt will wind up a bench boss eventually, it seems he’ll start by getting his feet wet in the Mariners’ bullpen in 2023.
Future A’s Manager (or possibly Servais’ heir apparent down the road. ) About as solid of a dude as you can find.
For sure
There’s only one “Dude” and he abides.
He’s the reason why I started drinking White Russians. It’s my go to drink when I’m at the bar.
Dude, there are SO MANY more dudes than just one, abiding or not!
I agree with you guys
GOOD MOVE
This early? He just played in 2022.
Vogt will be a manager in 5 years. Good move for him to get started in coaching at a young age.
Former catchers…always the smartest guys on the field. It is a Law of Baseball. ; “
Smartest guy on the field dons the tools of ignorance. Gotta love good irony.
“Tools of Ignorance – Said phrase merely coined by someone that was exceedingly jealous of the glory of being the chosen one behind the dish….
Good for him.
Blowing it A’s per usual.
His hometown his Olympia, WA just an hour down I-5 from Seattle.
He’s a California boy but lives in his wife’s hometown of Olympia. Great guy. Mariners got lucky
@crazybadeballgal Thank you for the clarification about Oly actually being his wife’s hometown. I should know that since I live here yikes.
Mariners have better plumbing than the A’s
I work for a manufacturing company, so I get the concept of quality control in that field. I’m not joking with the question I’m about to ask, so help me out if you can, how does quality control apply to a baseball team? Is it clubhouse oriented, such as team morale? I am really curious. Thanks.
He makes sure there is plenty of booze in the clubhouse at all times.
I found this article last year and found it helpful to explain the role:
https://www.athleticsnation.com/2022/1/28/22901315/oakland-as-quality-control-coach-mike-aldrete
In short (from the article) the position is a combination of an advance scout and data liaison, serving as an advance planner who tries to ensure quality output with quality input. So not so much focused on team morale (directly), but more about helping players prepare for games while also serving as a conduit to help the front office get the players the advanced analytic information that is prevalent in today’s game.
Thanks Yankees21.
You’re welcome, glad I could help.
Great guy. The type I’d want to coach my son from what I can tell.
As a catcher, should have great knowledge of the game.
Good for all involved.
Solid move
But apparently into a soggy bullpen
This move makes the M’s more believable.
Best move of mlb offseason. Love this guy
He’s got my Vogt.
I believe in Stephen Vogt!
Awesome. Good for him. Welcome to the NW
Apparently, he’s a full-time Olympia resident due to it being his wife’s hometown, according to a local news outlet (don’t want to give away my precise location). Never knew that… But it’s great to have him on the staff. I imagine he’s going to be an awesome coach and, one day, manager.
Hell yes!
Best signing of the offseason. I loved him as a brave. His personality will make a great manager. Maybe Snitker replacement.
He was my hitting coach for a winter when he was in the minors and a great one at that. Loved working with him, seeing him play and I wish him the best on his next journey that he is 100% built for
It’s hilarious to see the comments. Vogt seems to be the “every man” for all the overweight, middle age dudes that “played some ball” in high school.