Why the Diamondbacks were smart & dumb with Coaching announcements

The Arizona Diamondbacks announced multiple surprising Coaching Changes today

According to an insider, Zach Buchanan, the Diamondbacks have decided to completely redo their coaching staff minus a few coaches:

The thread goes on for three tweets, however, I will just sum them up here for you.

Still with the Dbacks                                                                                      

• Dave McKay
• Torey Lovullo (signed one-year contract extension)
• Tony Perezchica
• Mike Fetters

Has been offered a position in the organization but not on the MLB coaching staff

• Matt Herges
• Chris Cron
• Rick Short
• Drew Hedman
• Luis Urueta

Coach whose contract was not renewed or offered a new deal yet

• Robby Hammock (sigh)

Well, I think the entire Arizona Fandom can cheer and clap that the team has gotten rid of our pitching coach Matt Herges. Although I’m nervous about what kind of job he will do with the organization, at least he can’t wreck our MLB pitchers anymore. It’s kinda weird to see Fetters keep his job.

Perhaps he’s not actually all that involved with coaching the pitchers. Instead, maybe he’s more the manager of the bullpen and just a friendly coach that fans love. We shall find out I suppose. The hitting coaches, Rick and Drew, are not a surprise to see be gone. They replaced Darnell Coles and Eric Hinske who lost their jobs earlier in the 2021 season.

They were mainly just fill-ins, although I suppose if the team’s hitting had changed for the better by a ton, they would’ve been kept. Either way, they might be back with the team in another capacity or not. Luis Urueta had been seen as a likely managerial candidate across the MLB in years past. Now, it’s doubtful he does much for a while. It remains to be seen what his ultimate role is, but it seems like they want a new voice in Torey’s ear this year. I can’t blame them either as the two years he’s been bench coach, have been the worst in Torey’s reign. Where’s Jerry Narron?

The one coach that pains this writer the most that are leaving? Robby Hammock. He’s been a fan-fan-favorite for years. The coach has been with the Diamondbacks since he debuted in the league. Immediately upon his retirement from the MLB, he joined the team’s minor league coaching staff. He rose through the ranks to where he’s been since 2017, the team’s catching coach. I honestly don’t understand this move.

Carson Kelly and Daulton Varsho established themselves as great catchers in the MLB under Robby’s watch. While it’s hard to see what the motives were, hopefully, the team ends up giving him an offer for a new spot.

Nonetheless, it’s going to be quite interesting who the team replaces these coaches with. One can only hope and pray that the team has its head on straight and makes the best choices. Hazen and Torey, please make the best hires.

Venom Bites

The Diamondbacks outrighted Henry Ramos, Brandyn Sittenger, and Ildemaro Vargas off the 40-man roster. The three players will be on waivers and if no other team claims them, they will be sent to the minor leagues.

Henry Ramos hit .200, .255, .300, .555, with 2 doubles, 1 HR, and 8 RBIs. He made his MLB debut after 8 years in the minors. He’s 29 and might get another shot next year. At least he can hold his head high and say he made it to the MLB.

Brandyn Sittenger also made his MLB debut this year at the age of 27 after many years in the Minors. He’s a relief pitcher who struggled in the big league bullpen. Of course, so did every other Dbacks bullpen pitcher. He pitched 4.2 innings and had a 7.71 ERA with 2 walks and 1 K.

Ildemaro Vargas was a confusing pick-up by the team after they got rid of him way earlier in 2021. He made his way through three teams this year, getting outrighted off the 40-man roster every time. Overall, the utility infielder hit .156, .217, .221 with 3 doubles, 1 triple, and 7 RBIs.

Venom Strikes is gearing up for an active off-season of posting.

As always,

May the Force be with You…