Colorado Rockies finalise Walt Weiss’ coaching staff - MLB News
The coaching staff for the Colorado Rockies for the upcoming 2013 season was unveiled on Thursday, November 15. Three new additions have been named in Walt Weiss’ staff including the hitting coach Dante Bichette.
The other two additions are Stu Cole as third base coach and new first base coach Rene Lachemann. Returning to the team’s staff will be defensive positioning coach and catching instructor Jerry Weinstein, pitching Coach Jim Wright, who was promoted from
the bullpen, assistant pitching coach Bo McLaughlin and Bench Coach Tom Runnells.
The 67-year-old first base coach has been performing duties as a hitting coach for the Triple-A Colorado Springs for the last five years. He has had experiences with several Major League teams as a member of coaching staff. Rene also has managed for Major
League teams with the last assignment with Chicago Cubs in 2002. He had a short playing career between 1965 and 1968. Lachemann will be replacing Glenallen Hill, who will be provided with a different assignment in the organisation.
The new third base coach Stu Cole had a brief Major League career in 1991, playing only a handful of games. The 46-year-old has been working with the Rockies in the Minor League System for the last 17-years. He has been managing the Rockies farm team, the
Triple-A Colorado Springs Sky Sox since 2009.
Dante Bichette, the new hitting coach had a rather successful Major League career from 1988 to 2001. He was particularly productive as a player during his seven year stint with the Colorado Rockies which ended in 1999. Manager Walt Weiss played a role in
convincing the new hitting coach to join the team. Walt and Dante were team-mates during their playing days for the Rockies.
Wright will be having a second stint as the Rockies’ pitching coach, after he held the position in 2002. Bench Coach Tom Runnells will continue his duties are unsuccessful bid for the Rockies manager’s position. This will be the fifth season for Runnels
with the team.
The coaching staff is now in place for the newly appointed manager Walt Weiss. One can hope that Weiss and his staff can do a decent job and get the team back to winning ways in the next season.
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