Reports surfaced last week that the Rangers had given permission for Donnie Ecker to interview with the White Sox about their managerial opening, but Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News (X link) wrote that Ecker is no longer under consideration for the job. Ecker will instead return for what will presumably be his fourth season as the Rangers’ bench coach and offensive … [Read more...] about Central Notes: Ecker, White Sox, Lynn, Cardinals, Pirates
Reds Hire Chris Valaika As Hitting Coach
The Reds announced today that Chris Valaika has been hired as director of hitting and major league hitting coach. He had previously been with the Guardians as that club’s hitting coach but will now move to the other side of Ohio. Valaika, 39, was originally a third-round draft pick of the Reds back in 2006. He played in the majors from 2010 to 2014, for the Reds, Marlins and … [Read more...] about Reds Hire Chris Valaika As Hitting Coach
MLBTR Podcast: The World Series, The White Sox Reportedly For Sale, And Tropicana Field
The latest episode of the MLB Trade Rumors Podcast is now live on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts! Make sure you subscribe as well! You can also use the player at this link to listen, if you don’t use Spotify or Apple for podcasts. This week, host Darragh McDonald is joined by Steve Adams of MLB Trade Rumors to discuss… The upcoming World Series … [Read more...] about MLBTR Podcast: The World Series, The White Sox Reportedly For Sale, And Tropicana Field
Cardinals Hire Brant Brown As Hitting Coach, Robert Cerfolio As Assistant General Manager
The Cardinals announced that they have hired Brant Brown as their new hitting coach. They also announced the hiring of Jon Jay and a new role for Willie McGee, both of which were reported yesterday. Additionally, they announced that Robert Cerfolio has been hired as assistant general manager, player development and performance. Cerfolio was previously with the Guardians as … [Read more...] about Cardinals Hire Brant Brown As Hitting Coach, Robert Cerfolio As Assistant General Manager
NL East Notes: Marlins, Urueta, Albernaz, Painter, Yepez
The Marlins are reportedly considering former bench coach Luis Urueta and Guardians bench coach Craig Albernaz for their managerial vacancy, according to the New York Post’s Jon Heyman. Urueta is perhaps something of an unusual candidate since the Marlins already fired him as part of their wide-ranging purge of the coaching staff, training staff, and clubhouse attendants, … [Read more...] about NL East Notes: Marlins, Urueta, Albernaz, Painter, Yepez