Wow, the game’s not even over yet and according to this MLB.com article, all of Manny Acta’s coaches except pitching coach Randy St. Claire have been told they will not be returning next year. I have to say, I’m a little stunned. I certainly thought bullpen coach Rick Aponte and bench coach Pat Corrales would be back. The article doesn’t say who informed them or any reaction (or any possible replacements), so stay tuned.
[Update:] Also gone will be strength and conditioning coordinator Kazuhiko Tomooka, and video coordinator Tom Yost.
Bye guys!! I’ve really enjoyed their guidance and humor at events like Baseball 101 the past two seasons and the Kids Clinic my two attended this year. A tip of the cap to all five (bench coach Pat Corrales, 1st base coach Jerry Morales, 3rd base coach Tim Tolman, bullpen coach Rick Aponte, and hitting coach Lenny Harris). When I took a stab at guessing, I thought it would only be Lenny Harris and Tolman, so my mind is a little blown at the moment. I guess the positive side is they weren’t left hanging into the offseason.
I agree that all of the coaches were charming at Baseball 101 for women. I add my thanks for that fun and memorable day.
It has been a tough year for everyone.
I have gotten to know many of these men too and I sincerely liked them. They had no egos and tried their best, but sometimes change has to be made.
I think we all saw some progress after August 1st which wasn’t enough to save their jobs so I wish them luck on their future endeavors.
My guess is there will be some future tweaking which of course will include when we say goodbye to some of the players on the current squad that won’t make it to Viera and then those that will head to Syracuse and won’t be back to DC.
Good luck Tim, Rick, Pat, Jerry, Lenny and Tom and Kaz.
I know it’s probably false hope, but Zuckerman says some coaches may be reassigned to different positions in the club. I hope that’s the case for Aponte. I’d hate to not see his smiling face again. Although, I thought our bullpen did quite well for the most part. I don’t see why it was necessary to let him go.