Although the Los Angeles Dodgers figure to see changes to their roster before the start of the 2020 season, the front office and coaching staff has remained intact.
Calls for Dodgers manager Dave Roberts to be fired after a disappointing loss in the National League Division Series were dismissed by president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman, who in turn has reportedly signed a new contract himself.
Bench coach Bob Geren interviewed with the San Francisco Giants for their managerial position, and first base coach George Lombard with the Pittsburgh Pirates, but both remained with the Dodgers.
Alas, change has come with Rick Honeycutt transitioning from pitching coach to a special assistant role in the Dodgers front office. Honeycutt is expected to be replaced by Mark Prior, who was bullpen coach the past two seasons. That void may be filled by Josh Bard.
Meanwhile, the Dodgers additionally are expected to name an assistant pitching coach, according to Jon Heyman of MLB Network:
Dodgers have no known plans to announce baseball president Andrew Friedman’s extension. But he’s extended. And deservedly so. Dodgers will also hire assistant pitching coach (in house likely) and bullpen coach (Josh Bard likely, via @Joelsherman1). Those 2 moves will be announced
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) November 20, 2019
If L.A. is to look internally for an assistant pitching coach, a candidate presumably will emerge from the Minor League ranks or front office.
Although they appear poised to provide Prior with an assistant, that is not indicative of a lack of faith. At the time of announcing Honeycutt’s outlook, Friedman acknowledged promoting Prior was a logical — and likely — decision.
Honeycutt has since given Prior a vote of confidence as well, noting his strong communication skills, preparation and experience with the pitching staff over the past two years.
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