While the Los Angeles Dodgers need to address multiple roster questions, manager Dave Roberts’ coaching staff also remains unsettled — at least officially.
Based on numerous reports, the names and roles of those joining Roberts’ staff are known.
One of the more recent additions has former Major League catcher Josh Bard transitioning from a scout for the Dodgers organization to the club’s bullpen coach.
Former Seattle Mariners first base coach Chris Woodward is making the move to Los Angeles, believed to be for the third base coach vacancy.
Rick Honeycutt is expected to be retained as pitching coach, and former Arizona Diamondbacks hitting coach Turner Ward is joining the Dodgers in the same role.
Tim Hyers is likely to be the assistant hitting coach, with George Lombard taking over as first base coach.
It was previously reported Dodgers director of player development Gabe Kapler would coach first base. Lastly, former New York Mets bench coach Bob Geren is to bring plenty of experience in the same role he held with New York.
Geren was hired as Mets bench coach in October 2011. Thus, he spent the past four seasons working alongside Mets manager Terry Collins in the dugout. Collins recently praised Geren for the knowledge and suggestions he provided, via J.P. Hoornstra of the LA Daily News:
“Bob was a very good help for me,” Collins said. “Bob, one of the things about him, was that he offered information and I appreciated it. Didn’t always go with what he had to say, but sometimes I did. He’s well thought out. He’s a bright guy, brought a nice counter to the bench.
Geren previously managed the Oakland Athletics for four and a half seasons. He was fired by Oakland 63 games into the 2011 season, with the club a disappointing 27-36 at the time.
While Geren was ultimately held accountable for their shortcomings, the Athletics had multiple starting pitchers (including Brett Anderson and Brandon McCarthy) suffer injury, which contributed to their sub-.500 record.
Geren is said to be well-versed in the use of advanced stats, which coupled with his overall experience, meet qualities the Dodgers front office was believed to have been seeking in a bench coach for their rookie skipper.
