Almost Entire Coaching Staff to Return in 2013

It has been over 2 weeks now since the A’s season ended, and the withdrawals have not entirely subsided yet.  I for one cannot help but constantly mull over the prospects of 2013 while still waiting for 2012 to come to its conclusion.  In those 2 weeks since the A’s were shut out by Justin Verlander, they’ve managed to stay in the news to some degree, first by trading for outfielder Chris Young while the League Championship Series were still taking place, and now announcing that almost the entire coaching staff from 2012 will return in their same capacities in 2013.

September 19, 2012; Detroit, MI, USA; Oakland Athletics pitching coach Curt Young (41) on the phone to the bullpen during the eighth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-US PRESSWIRE

This is without a doubt great news for the Athletics.  There had been some rumblings that perhaps either 3rd base coach Mike Gallego, or bench coach Chip Hale might be managerial candidates for some of the open positions in the league.  While those positions have yet to be filled, it appears that this announcement presumes they will remain in Oakland next year.  For a team as young as these Athletics are, stability in the coaching staff may prove crucial to their growth and continued success.

The lone change being made in the staff is that Triple A manager Darren Bush will be with the big club in 2013 as the bullpen coach.  Former bullpen coach Rick Rodriguez will be reassigned to a Minor League position within the organization.  It’s difficult to say whether this is a demotion of some sort for Rodriguez, or simply using his coaching skills in perhaps a more effective manner.

The Oakland Athletics are coming off an unexpectedly successful season, and appear poised to continue that success.  It can only aid that progress to have the same coaches these players have built a relationship with return.  I believe the sky is the limit for this team, and the leadership that can help them get there will be ready once again.