Tampa Bay Rays have brought in significant changes for their coaching staff to gear up for the 2023 season. It is believed that this decision has been made to help the team excel in the future. After a disappointing 2021 season where the Rays were unable to make it to the playoffs, the team is aiming for a better future. This article will discuss the details of the recent changes made to the Rays coaching staff and how it will shape the team’s performance in the upcoming years.
The Biggest Change for 2023: Coaching Staff
The Tampa Bay Rays have undergone a lot of changes in the past few years, but the biggest change for 2023 is the coaching staff. The team has said goodbye to some of its most veteran coaches and welcomed new faces.
New Head Coach
The biggest change for the 2023 season is the hiring of a new head coach. Kevin Cash, who had been in the position since 2015, has moved on to another opportunity. In his place, the Rays have brought in Sam Fuld, a former outfielder who played for the team from 2011-2013.
Fuld has been working in the Phillies’ front office since his retirement as a player in 2016. He brings a fresh perspective and a wealth of baseball knowledge to the Rays organization. He had a great reputation as a player and as an executive in Philadelphia, and the Rays are hoping he can have a positive impact on the team.
New Hitting Coach
Another big change for the Rays coaching staff is the addition of a new hitting coach. Chad Mottola, who had been in the position since 2017, has left the team. In his place, the Rays have brought in former Major Leaguer Mark DeRosa.
DeRosa played for eight different teams during his 16-year career in the big leagues. He has been working as a broadcaster for MLB Network since retiring from playing in 2013. DeRosa brings a wealth of experience to the Rays’ coaching staff, and the team is hoping he can help improve the offense.
New Third Base Coach
The Rays have also made a change at third base coach. Rodney Linares, who had been in the position since 2020, has left the team. In his place, the Rays have promoted Ozzie Timmons from Double-A.
Timmons has been working in the Rays organization since 2017, and he has been the manager of Double-A Montgomery for the past two seasons. He has earned praise for his work with young players, and the Rays are hoping he can bring that same energy and enthusiasm to his role as third base coach.
New Assistant Pitching Coach
The Rays have also added a new assistant pitching coach for the 2023 season. Kyle Snyder, who had been in the position since 2018, has moved on to another opportunity. In his place, the Rays have promoted Minor League pitching coordinator Dick Bosman.
Bosman has been working in the Rays organization for the past six years. He brings a wealth of experience to the coaching staff, having played for the Washington Senators, Cleveland Indians, and Pittsburgh Pirates during his nine-year Major League career. Bosman has also worked as a pitching coach for several other teams, including the Montreal Expos and the Milwaukee Brewers.
Conclusion
The Tampa Bay Rays have made some big changes to their coaching staff for the 2023 season. The team has hired a new head coach, a new hitting coach, a new third base coach, and a new assistant pitching coach. The changes bring a fresh perspective and a wealth of baseball knowledge to the Rays organization. The team is hoping that these changes will have a positive impact on their performance in the upcoming season.
