| By Jason A. Churchill |  | By 01-13-2009 |
Thanks to the Seattle Times and the best beat writer for any sport that this town has had in, oh, I dunno, light years probably, we have the final decisions on some of the minor league coaching staffs and managers.Geoff Baker reports that the M's will hang onto Tacoma skipper Daren Brown, and presumably hitting coach Alonzo Powell and pitching coach Dwight Bernard, too, although that hasn't been confirmed to this point.
Last year's West Tenn manager Scott Steinmann will head back to the Midwest League and lead the Clinton Lumberkings, while his hitting coach last season, former big-leaguer Phil Plantier, takes over the helm for the M's Double-A club.
No word, at least that I know of, who Plantier's hitting coach is going to be, or if Scott Budner has been retained as the pitching coach. If I get the chance this week, I'll make a call to Plantier and see if he can shed some light on both.
Jim Horner will return as skipper of the High Desert Mavericks, but Eddie Menchaca, last year's hitting coach, will be the hitting coach in Clinton, and PI favorite Lance Painter will join him as the Lumberkings pitching coach.
I also have yet to get confirmation of what the organization has done to fill out Horner's staff in High Desert, and whether former long-time coach and manager Terry Pollreisz is still in the organization in any capacity, or even if he retired.
Also unknown at this point is whether minor league pitching coordinator - slash - special assistant to the GM Dave Wallace has been retained, and if so, whether it's in the same roles as last season, his first with Seattle.
Also announced by Baker is that John Tamargo, another former big-league player, will manage the Everett AquaSox in 2009, and that last year's Sox skipper Jose Moreno will lead the Arizona League club in Peoria.
Rob Mummau will return to manage the Pulaski team in the Appalachian League.
Pedro Grifol, the club's player development director, has as much autonomy over these decisions as GM Jack Zduriencik
has over the entire baseball operations, so the incumbents had an advantage from the get-go.
Notes
Remember the rumored deal with the Florida Marlins that was reported during the timeframe that the J.J. Putz deal went down with the New York Mets? Well, I was recently referred to a member of the Marlins scouting department when I asked about their second base prospect Chris Coghlan, and the conversation, naturally, went toward those trade talks, and here's what he said that I thought was relevant.
"The deal was never close," he said, "because we wanted one particular name and their best offer came in without that name. They didn't budge on that name, and we couldn't see moving forward unless we got what we felt was the right deal for us."
That name was Adam Moore, the M's top catching prospect, who ranks in the middle of Prospect Insider
s Top 10 in the upcoming handbook. The trade, apparently, turned into a 4-for-2 deal, where Florida would have sent right fielder Jeremy Hermida and second base prospect Coghlan to the Mariners, for second baseman Jose Lopez, left-hander Ryan Rowland-smith, right-hander Juan Ramirez and catcher Adam Moore.
The Mariners countered with something like this: Lopez, Cesar Jimenez, Rob Johnson and either Luis Valbuena or Matt Tuiasosopo. The Fish wanted Moore in the deal, and Seattle apparently wanted no part of trading him, so Zduriencik moved on to the Mets.
Now, the most significant thing I'm taking out of this is that Zduriencik and his front office staff do not play games. If there is no match, they don't fiddle around and hope the other team budges - see: Bavasi, Bill, e.g. Erik Bedard trade - and he was prepared to walk away, and did so.
"It's a lot like buying a car," said the Florida scout. "First, you can't make your best offer first - you just don't, it's a sin, really. But you have to be willing to walk away and go elsewhere. Sometimes the mere threat of that, and the subsequent action, gets them to flinch. If we needed to move Jeremy for payroll purposes, even we may have flinched somewhere in those talks."
In other news...
Yours truly got engaged on Tuesday night, and will likely be putting off the completion of the handbook for a little while longer than the week of the 21st.
I apologize greatly, but the one thing I will guarantee is a publish-and-order date before pitchers and catchers report. For those who pre-ordered the print edition, your copies will be the first to be mailed out, before the book becomes available to anyone else.
Both the pdf/e-book edition and the print copies can be pre-ordered via paypal - click here to get the pdf for $6.99 ($8.99 post publishing) and click here to get the print edition for $14.99 and FREE Shipping ($13.99 + $3.99 shipping post publishing).
Prospect Insider does not control shipping charges on post-publishing orders
Again, my apologies about another delay, but between getting engaged, trying to find a new day gig and preparing for my spring assignment with ESPN.com, I have so little time. And contrary to what some of you think, I need sleep sometimes.
I appreciate the understanding on this matter.
minor-league-staff,-notes
Comments
The following 25 comment(s) for this article are shown below:
| 1. By: Nimajneb on 01-14-2009 01:10:06 One feels compelled to drop in and offer a hearty "Congratulations!" Perhaps the reluctance to budge on Moore might be indicative of a greater organizational respect for his value? It's curious to look at the deals swung over the offseason and compare various teams' images of, say, Valbuena vs. Moore. |
| 2. By: Jay Yencich on 01-14-2009 01:39:42 Congrats, Jason. |
| 3. By: PositivePaul on 01-14-2009 09:27:00 Yessss. You do need sleep :-) But congrats again all around! That's a lot to give up for Hermidia - it's no secret that I was an Adam Moore fan loooooong before he was added to your prospect lists (see MarinersMorsels fer instance), and I've also been a huge Hyphen fan. But even though I don't know much about Coghlan, I might've countered with Jiminez or Washburn + cash and made that deal. Except that Adam Moore may be the only starting catcher backup plan the Mariners have, in case Joh falls further off the cliff and Clement just can't stay behind the dish. I'm not sure that's a risk I'd like to take. I'm glad Zduriencik wasn't sure either... |
| 4. By: Lonnie on 01-14-2009 09:28:54 Moore v Valbuena in terms of value? Wow, that's a bit tough to nail down (for me anyway). I think that when we look at the catching position organization wide, Moore is head and shoulders above his peers at the postion (IMHO, natcherly). Valbuena, on the other hand, has a bit more competition at the 2b position, but he still held a lot of value to the M's (again, IMHO). I loved what I saw from Valbuena last year, and if he had hit a bit more with the M's his value would have skyrocketed. Jason, a hearty congratulations my friend! This coming from a guy who will be celebrating his 29th anniversary in June! Lonnie |
| 5. By: Jason A. Churchill on 01-14-2009 09:51:16 It depends on the club, really, when talking about a Valbuena-Moore value comparison. It's like the draft; the value is so close that you can justify taking the needed talent. Valbuena is a higher-probability prospects at this point, and he brings immediate defensive value to a 25-man roster, even if absolutely nothing else. Moore isn't likely to see more than half a season of big-league time in '09, no matter which organization he is with come April - he needs a few months in Triple-A, minimum. But Moore's upside greatly overshadows that of Valbuena's, due to positional value, his contact rates that could suggest he'll hit for some average, which boosts his slightly above average OBP skills. The keys are his defense and how his power translates and develops between now and about June 2010. |
| 6. By: Marlin Man on 01-14-2009 10:30:40 Jason A question my friend- Our GM "won't budge" u say on a deal how about last years #1 pick- they ever gonna sign him ya think? why worry so darn much about the pennies they want to sign vs ALL the dollars we have thrown away on dawg turds like Silva and others? yeah I know that was previous management- but what the hell- we got room for a great young closer MM |
| 7. By: Jason A. Churchill on 01-14-2009 11:31:20 If I had to bet, I'd bet Fields is not signed and goes back in the draft for 09. If I was Jack, being good at the draft and a new GM, I'd certainly want to make the 21st pick in this year's draft, rather than signing someone else's No. 20 from the year before. |
| 8. By: starbuckdog on 01-14-2009 12:48:24 Huge congratulations on the news of your engagement Jason!! Very exciting! |
| 9. By: baseballman on 01-14-2009 13:01:04 Congrats JAC! Its refreshing to see that howie and chuck have taken a backseat and are (it seems) letting JZ make the calls. |
| 10. By: Jason A. Churchill on 01-14-2009 13:07:59 Thanks all, much appreciated. re: Lincoln and Armstrong We really have to give them credit, too, and if the team turns into a winner, they deserve all the credit in the world. |
| 11. By: bilbo on 01-14-2009 13:08:52 Fantastic news Jason, congrats! Even though I don't post much, I read your site daily and was saddened by your ordeal last year. I am glad that things worked out for you. As a man of faith, I believe they usually do in one way or another and I am happy for you. Having just completed my 10th anniversary I can tell you that you are in for a heck of a ride and it takes a lot of work, but it is well worth the effort. Keep up the good work and balance your time! |
| 12. By: Jason A. Churchill on 01-14-2009 13:13:42 bilbo, Thank you! I greatly appreciate any and all words of congrats and well wishes. Notice that the past year or so Churchill has gotten more kind and gentle? |
| 13. By: Lantermanc on 01-14-2009 13:31:24 Congratulations JAC. As for the Marlins trade that fell through "Jose Lopez, left-hander Ryan Rowland-smith, right-hander Juan Ramirez and catcher Adam Moore" Seems like an awful lot for Hermida (who still has potential, but hasn't proven that much still) and a 2b prospect. I don't know if I'd even do Lopez, RRS, and Juan Ramirez with no Moore. |
| 14. By: Jason A. Churchill on 01-14-2009 13:39:37 That's why the deal didn't get done. Not a match. But you can't blame Florida for asking for that. They didn't need to deal Hermida, and there is some upside to him for 2009 that could be fun to watch. |
| 15. By: acqb1424 on 01-14-2009 13:49:52 Congratulations Jason. Here are to many years of happiness! One quick question, for those of us who pre-ordered the book edition of the handbook, will we get a confirmation or something when it's sent? I guess I'm just trying to make sure that I'm on the list! Thanks. |
| 16. By: Jason A. Churchill on 01-14-2009 13:54:01 Yer on it, acq... Maybe I can try and send out an email to those people when they are physically mailed out... I will try. |
| 17. By: acqb1424 on 01-14-2009 13:55:25 Thanks Jason, I appreciate it. Not to steal from another blog, but I did. Ryan Divish at the Tacoma News Tribune posted this last night, thought it might be handy with the post. Roving Instructors Coordinator of Instruction: Tim Tollman Pitching Coordinator: Dave Wallace Catching Coordinator: Roger Hansen Hitting Coordinator: Jose Castro Infield Coordinator: Darrin Garner Strength & Conditioning Coordinator: James Clifford Trainer Coordinator: Mickey Clarizio Physical Therapist: Sean McQueeney Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers Manager: Daren Brown Pitching Coach: Dwight Bernard Coach: Alonzo Powell Trainer: Tom Newberg Double-A West Tennessee Diamond Jaxx Manager: Philip Plantier Pitching Coach: Tom Dettore Coach: Terry Pollreisz Trainer: Matt Toth Single-A High Desert Mavericks Manager: Jim Horner Pitching Coach: Jaime Navarro Coach: Tommy Cruz Trainer: Jeremy Clipperton Single-A Clinton LumberKings Manager: Scott Steinmann Pitching Coach: Lance Painter Coach: Eddie Menchaca Trainer: Eduardo Tamez Single-A Everett AquaSox Manager: John Tamargo Pitching Coach: TBA Coach: Jesus Azuaje Trainer: Spyder Webb Rookie Pulaski Mariners Manager: Rob Mummau Pitching Coach: Nasusel Cabrera Coach: Rafael Santo Domingo Trainer: Colby Harris Rookie Peoria Mariners Manager: Jose Moreno Pitching Coach: Gary Wheelock Coach: Andy Bottin Trainer: Randy Roetter Clubhouse Mgr.: Ryan Stiles Dominican Summer League Manager: Jose Guillen Pitching Coach: Danielin Acevedo Coach: Francisco Gerez/Joel Guerrero Strength & Conditioning Coach: Francis Ramirez Trainer: Leonardo Jimenez Venezuelan Summer League Manager: Russell Vasquez Pitching Coach: Jesus Hernandez Coach: William Oropeza/Humberto Espinoza Trainer: Johnny Molina Clubhouse Mgr: Melvi Piedra/Anglea Parga |
| 18. By: CrockDaddy on 01-14-2009 13:56:24 congrats old boy! you deserve it |
| 19. By: 01v-dubs on 01-14-2009 16:28:34 Congrats Jason, that's great to hear! I have a question for you about the big club and their dealing with younger players like Clement, Balentine, and I guess Tui (if he gets called up) to some extent. How much of a leash to you see them having this year? Both Wlad and Clement got off to slow starts last year and they both are competing with vets for pt this year. Do you think the big club thinks they are better served to just pencil them in as starters this year? I would really like both of them to get a fair shake, and I don't think Wlad, and to a lesser extent Clement got one last year. |
| 20. By: stickball on 01-14-2009 21:40:50 Congrats Jason, I hope you fiancee loves baseball. After hearing the proposed deal, I'm glad Bavasi isn't here anymore. |
| 21. By: jakehamlin33 on 01-14-2009 22:02:36 Congrats, Jason. I would just like to say that I am really glad that the mariners held on to Andy Bottin as the coach of there Peoria Rookie ball team. Andy is the hardest working man in the organization. He does a great job of teaching the young kids on and off the field. So Congrats to both Jason and Andy. |
| 22. By: sun devil on 01-15-2009 09:55:37 First off, congrats on the engagement Jason! Regarding the comments out of Florida, I’m quite happy to see Jack’s adamant stance on keeping Moore. With the question still up in the air on whether Clement can be an everyday catcher (the longer this question lingers the more discouraging it appears), Johnson’s ceiling likely as a backup, and well, we all know the Kenji disaster we’re locked into, it’s nice to see the organization holding onto the best talent on the farm. With Jack's continued solid moves, he’s building our trust and faith in the org. after too many years of disastrous decisions. Personally, I’m encouraged that perhaps he can turn this around sooner than we all originally anticipated. |
| 23. By: Willmore on 01-15-2009 12:15:19 You know how when a child goes missing and is gone for years, they use computer software to adjust his photo to show what he would look like now? That photo at the top of the page, doesn't that look like Yuni in 5 years? |
| 24. By: Jason A. Churchill on 01-15-2009 13:57:28 re: dubs, The young guys will get a chance, but I strongly suggest not getting irked at the club if they don't play 160 games and get 600 plate appearances. There are times when it's best to sit a young player for a few days, both to clear his head and to get him rest. And winning organizations always point their efforts toward winning games, and young players need to know they have to earn their playing time. Sometimes it's more about effort and how they are approaching the game, work habits, things like that. And then there is a point when it's going to be based solely on performance. Wakamatsu's job is to find those balances with each player. re: Willmore Man, if you weren't right, I'd say shame on you for capping on 'Zo Powell. |
| 25. By: NEOregonMarinersFan on 01-15-2009 21:49:17 Congratulation on your engagement, Jason. My wife and I have been married 23 years, and it has been great. Two kids and at least 25 pounds apiece later, we're still in love and enjoying each other's company. May the two of you experience much joy together! And while my wife is not nearly as much of a baseball fan as I am, she did get to go to Wrigley a lot as a youngster to watch the Cubs in the late 60's to mid-70's... and she took me to watch the Cubs play the Pirates there in 1987 (Pirates won 8-3, Mike Dunne pitched, Barry Bonds homered, Harry Caray sang at the stretch!) "Jose Lopez, left-hander Ryan Rowland-smith, right-hander Juan Ramirez and catcher Adam Moore" That sounds like a TERRIBLE trade. I'm a fan of RRS, I want the Mariners to keep him around. All those players for Hermida...? Heh! Whatever. I would like to see what Moore and Ramirez can do for the M's before they get sent somewhere else. I can see how Lopez might be a decent trading chip, but I'd keep the other three. |
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