Arizona Diamondbacks to Hire Mark McGwire?
By Charles Rahrig V
With Turner Ward out as hitting coach, the Arizona Diamondbacks could be bringing in former slugger Mark McGwire to be the new hitting coach.
The Arizona Diamondbacks’ coaching staff shakeup continues this offseason with news that hitting coach Turner Ward is reportedly leaving the team according to Bob Nightengale.
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In 2015, the Diamondbacks’ offense saw great numbers with Ward at the helm so it’s a little strange as to why he is no longer the hitting coach.
As for who could replace him, well it could be a shocking one, as according to Nightengale, former big league slugger and Tony LaRussa player, Mark McGwire, could be the next hitting coach for the D-backs.
Mark McGwire could be next to join #Dbacks staff with Turner Ward quitting as assistant hitting coach. Matt Williams is new 1B coach.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) November 11, 2015
There are two big questions that come out of this.
One, what is the reason for Turner Ward’s departure? Of all the coaches on the staff under Chip Hale, it would have seemed like he was the likeliest to stay given the Diamondbacks offensive output last season. This is certainly a situation to keep an eye on.
Secondly, if the guy is McGwire, what impact will he have on the offense? McGwire was most recently the hitting coach for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Diamondbacks fans will remember him for the big brawl in Los Angeles, which saw him, Kirk Gibson and Matt Williams get into it.
Still, he’s a disciple of LaRussa so the connection is there to bring him in to the fold with Ward reportedly out. If McGwire does indeed join the team, it will certainly be a high-profile coaching staff, with Williams returning as Arizona’s third base coach.
Next: Arizona Diamondbacks Acquire Catcher Chris Herrmann
It’s very early in the offseason, but the Diamondbacks are already making headlines.