9-News: 37.005 – Nine Promote Walker, Brewington

[RonCo]

Pitching Coach Robert LaLoosh’s leaving and the team’s decisions not to renew bench coach Simon Wright and hitting coach William Campbell’s contracts, the writing was, as they say, on the wall for broad-scale changes in the team’s clubhouse. AAA manager David Johnson was promoted to replace Wright late last month, answering part of the puzzle. Today it was announced that AAA pitching coach Dan Walker would be rejoining Johnson, taking over the reins from LaLoosh as the Nine’s pitching coach. In addition, AA hitting coach and YS9 Hall of Fame member Sam Brewington was promoted to act as the team’s hitting coach.

Both Walker and Brewington have been successful developing players at their respective levels, a trait that some say were reasons behind the club’s desire to alter their coaching staff in the first place. Campbell, in particular, was seen as a veteran’s coach, and with the team’s “today” being full of younger players, Brewington’s enthusiasm is considered to be valuable.

“We’re excited to be promoting from within,” said newly hired Assistant GM Phillip Watson. “That’s a hallmark of a great organization. Everyone knows Dan and Sam are fantastic coaches.”

One does have to wonder if the choices were made with an eye toward Crash LaLoosh and Lucas McNeill, as Walker and Brewington have been in the organization for some time, and have been able to work with the superstars during spring training events. Brewington, is particular, was known to be somewhat tight with McNeill.

RICHARDS TO STAY ON

Though he was plagued with the traditional questions about his desire to retire, manager Bret Richards (who will turn 68 next spring) is excited to return to the bench for at least one more year. “I’m considering asking for an extension,” he said when asked once again if 2037 would be his last year. “I love managing these kids. It’s a total joy.”

The action completes the process of determining the team’s top tier of coaches for this coming season. Follow-on activity will continue in order to backfill spots left by the promotions.