Elias gives some quotes, the O’s speak with David Ross, and the coaching room fills up.
Good Morning, Birdland,
Yesterday was obviously a big day in our nation. Of course, I’m referring to the Orioles deciding on their new hitting coaches, according to MASN’s Roch Kubatko.
First, it’s a promotion for Cody Asche. A former big leaguer with the Phillies and White Sox, Asche has been with the Orioles organization since 2022, when he was a hitting coordinator in the upper-minors. Going into the 2023 season he was elevated to be an offensive strategy coach on the big league staff, and now he is getting another bump to become the major league hitting coach.
That’s not the only move. The team is also expected to name Tommy Joseph as the assistant hitting coach. The 33-year-old served in the same role for the Mariners this past season after being a minor league hitting coach with the Mets and Giants between 2021 and ‘23. You will note, dear reader, that the Mariners were not a very good offensive team last year. Hopefully that is not a reflection of Joseph’s work.
Are these good moves? I have no earthly idea. Hitting coaches certainly matter to some degree, or else team’s would not have them. But the issues ailing the Orioles offense down the stretch in 2024 are also deeper than the coaching staff. The players need to learn, develop, and improve. Maintaining some continuity/comfortability with Asche seems fine, as does bringing in a new set of eyes in Joseph. Let’s see how it goes.
While the changes in the hitting department seem quite concrete, the same cannot be said for bench coach. But there are rumors for who could take over the role formerly occupied by Fredi González.
Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported on Tuesday that the Orioles have reached out to former Cubs manager David Ross about his interest in the bench coach job. The connection is clear. Brandon Hyde was a coach with the Cubs when Ross was still a player, and the two are friends. Ross has previously declined a bench coach role with the Yankees, but that was a year ago. Perhaps some time and a friendly landing spot would sit better for the former skipper.
Again, what sort of impact a change at bench coach makes is difficult to quantify. Was González a good bench coach? No clue. Ross would probably be fine. He would definitely be motivated to make his mark and get his name back into conversations for manager jobs.
Even talking to Ross would seem to throw cold water on the theories that the Orioles might look to promote Buck Britton from Triple-A Norfolk. At the very least, Britton does not seem to be the first choice for Hyde or Mike Elias.
For now, it’s all up in the air.
Links
David Ross’ possible dugout return and more MLB notes | The Athletic
There is not a ton of O’s news, so a couple of these links are repeats from the opening above. Sorry! Here’s more information on the Rosenthal report that Ross and the Orioles have had some conversations.
Orioles To Name Cody Asche Hitting Coach | MLB Trade Rumors
It won’t be a completely new hitting staff. Asche is deeply familiar with the Orioles’ young core, having worked with any of the in the upper minors. So, don’t expect something drastically different in terms of approach. Perhaps results will improve.
O’s aim to swing big in market if Burnes, Santander don’t return | MLB.com
There is not a whole lot of interesting information in this one. Elias has some quotes, including glowing reviews of the new ownership group. That’s cool and all, but let’s see how it all plays out in their first offseason together.
Orioles birthdays
Is it your birthday? Happy birthday!
- Deivi Cruz turns 52 today. He spent one season as the Orioles’ shortstop in 2003, when he posted a 69 OPS+ but played some good defense.
- Leo Hernández is 65 years old. The infielder played in 78 total games for the O’s between 1982 and ‘85.
This day in O’s history
1969 – Orioles’ hurler Mike Cuellar ties Denny McLain of the Tigers to share the AL Cy Young Award.
2011 – The Orioles name a new general manager. Dan Duquette, out of baseball since 2002, becomes the team’s top baseball decision-maker.