Padres’ 2020 coaching staff taking shape

The 2020 coaching staff is on order for the San Diego Padres. Here is a look at the group.

With the hiring of Damion Easley as the team’s 11th hitting coach since the 2004 season, the Padres coaching staff is now set.

It was reported earlier that the former infielder would remain with the team in some capacity. His role is now clear. Easley will have the arduous task of taking an anemic Padres’ offense and turning it into a force in the National League. Easley was with the team last year and assisted former hitting coach Johnny Washington with his job.

The coaching staff for San Diego will be noticeably bigger this year as the staff will consist of nine total coaches instead of the seven that worked under Andy Green. Two new roles were created. Quality control coaching is new to the Padres. It is an extra coach who has the task of gathering and implementing information to the players.

With these roles, the Padres are now taking player development serious. Things will be implemented this coming season. New manager Jayce Tingler has a history in the player development department, and that is something that the Padres seem to have lacked in recent seasons. Young players must learn the ins and outs of the game to grow. The Padres are also embracing analytics more and have created coaches to help implement data to the players.

You have to give credit to A.J. Preller and his staff as they have grouped a completely different coaching staff. Four coaches return from last season, while six new men were brought into the organization. Here is a look at the group.

Manager- Jayce Tingler

The former Rangers’ player development guru will be challenged in San Diego with the Padres. He will need to get the most out of his veteran players, while at the same time, get the younger players to blossom and reach their potential. He has worn many hats in the game of baseball, but this will surely be the most challenging for the young skipper.

Pitching coach – Larry Rothschild

Darren Balsley was re-assigned by the organization. He will roam the minors and work with young pitchers. In his place, a veteran was brought in to help develop the staff. Rothschild was the Yankees pitching coach for the last nine years. He has Major League coaching tenure since 1986 and will surely command respect from his young pitchers.

Hitting coach – Damion Easley

The former infielder was a solid Major League player for several organizations. He has a familiarity with the players on the team as he served as the assistant hitting coach under Johnny Washington. Easley is known to communicate very well, and he will have arguably the most challenging job as the Padres have recycled hitting coaches massively since moving into Petco Park.

Bullpen coach – Ben Fritz

Former Tri-City Dust Devils’ manager (2016 &17) Ben Fritz will take over for Doug Bochtler in the bullpen. He was the team’s AZL rehab pitching coordinator for the last two seasons, where he worked with several pitchers. The former professional pitcher for the Tigers and A’s will be gaining his first taste of Major League coaching action this season.

First-base coach – Wayne Kirby

Kirby was brought on to the staff as he is known to work well with Manny Machado. The former MLB player brings excellent knowledge when it comes to baserunning and outfield defense. He will work directly with the outfielders and will also help boost the Padres’ stagnant running game. He was the Orioles first base coach from 2011-18.

Third-base coach – Glenn Hoffman

The Padres brought back Hoffman, who is a favorite in the clubhouse. The older brother of Trevor has been a coach on the staff since 2006. He is easily now the longest-tenured coach on the team.

Bench coach – Bobby Dickerson

Dickerson was the Phillies’ infield coach in 2019 but was allowed to leave as long as he got a bench coaching job. The Padres obliged as Dickerson will work in that role and also utilize his skills with the infielders. He has a great history of getting the most out of young players, and that should bode well for Fernando Tatis Jr. Dickerson was the third base coach for Orioles for six seasons before his stop in Philadelphia, so he too has a great familiarity with Manny Machado.

Associate manager- Skip Schumaker

Schumaker will resume a role as associate manager, which is an extra bench coach. He will also work with the Padres base runners and in the infield/outfield development of the game. Schumaker is a favorite of the players for his vast knowledge of the game.

Catching/quality control coach- Rod Barajas

The team retained Barajas as he will be working with the catchers on an everyday basis. He is a great coach to have in that capacity. Especially if the Padres deal Austin Hedges. If a trade happens, the Padres will need a mentor for Francisco Mejia on the defensive side of the game. Barajas is already a big influence on Mejia.

Quality control- Ryan Flaherty

Flaherty was a teammate of Manny Machado from 2012-17. He just retired from playing and will serve as an advanced scout for the team. His primary responsibility will be watching video of upcoming opponents and gathering information for the coaching staff and players. This is a new coaching role for the Padres and could serve to be very useful.

James Clark

James was born and raised in America’s Finest City. He is a passionate baseball fan with even more passion towards his hometown Padres. Editor-In-Chief of EastVillageTimes.com. Always striving to bring you the highest quality in San Diego Sports News. Original content, with original ideas, that’s our motto. Enjoy.