Reports: Dodgers hire bench, hitting coaches; will add Kapler to staff
A day after formally introducing Dave Roberts as their new manager, the Los Angeles Dodgers have reportedly filled a good chunk of their coaching staff.
According to FOX Sports MLB Insider Ken Rosenthal, former New York Mets bench coach Bob Geren, who interviewed for the Dodgers' managerial position, will take up the same position in Los Angeles, replacing Tim Wallach, who served as bench coach under ex-manager Don Mattingly from 2014-15.
Sources: Bob Geren leaving #Mets to become #Dodgers’ bench coach.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 2, 2015
Prior to serving as the Mets' bench coach for the past four seasons, the 54-year-old Geren was manager of the Oakland A's from 2007-2011, previously serving as the A's bench coach from 2003-06.
The New York Post reports that Geren was asked by the Mets to return for 2016, but wanted to be closer to his and his wife's families in Southern California.
Geren was asked back by #Mets, but family and that of wife from https://t.co/xvPj1sEy8u, getting older. Wanted to be closer. #Dodgers
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) December 2, 2015
As the San Diego Padres officially announced on Wednesday that they had hired Mark McGwire as their bench coach, the Dodgers reportedly hired former Arizona Diamondbacks hitting coach Turner Ward, per ESPN, to replace McGwire, who had served as the Dodgers' hitting coach for the past three seasons.
While serving as the Diamondbacks' assistant hitting coach in 2013, Ward was infamously pushed up against the railing of the D-backs' dugout by Dodgers reliever J.P. Howell during a wild brawl between the two clubs. He was later ejected from the game.
In addition to the two reported hires, Rosenthal reports that Gabe Kapler is also expected to join Roberts' new coaching staff.
Sources: Gabe Kapler expected to be part of Dave Roberts’ coaching staff with #Dodgers.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 2, 2015
Kapler, who reportedly was the runner-up for the Dodgers' managerial job, served as the Los Angeles' director of player development this past year.
