The picture above is what a lot of people consider the best coaching staff the Rangers have had, because it’s (for the most part) the one that led us to the playoffs in the 90’s. The last direct link to that era is now gone. As you have to have known already before you read this, Rudy Jaramillo is out as the hitting coach of the Rangers. A lot has been made about the offensive problems this team has had in 2009. I can’t blame that on Rudy.
A few times in the last two years I’ve wondered if a change in voice is necessary. I don’t think anyone doubts that Rudy is one of the best hitting coaches around. But too much of a good thing isn’t always the best. Yeah, it’s a weak argument I make – I know that. But as much as I didn’t want to see him go, I wonder what a change in voice will bring.
Which brings us to the obvious next question. Who will replace him? I can think of nobody better. The Red Baron himself, Rusty Greer. He’s a Jaramillio pupil, so the overall message won’t be that radically different. He’s enormously well respected with the players, he’s a fan favorite – still. I think he’d be a great coach. Of course, we had Ted Willams as a manager early on, and those teams couldn’t hit either. But you have to replace Jaramillo with someone, and I think Thurman Clyde Greer III would go over well. Julio Borbon would have to give up his number, but I think they should have retired 29, anyway.
From what I can gather, it appears the Rangers offered Rudy a one year contract, I expect he thinks (probably so) that he’s worth more than that, and declined. I’m sure the places that have been mentioned as needing a new hitting coach will splurge to pick him up.
If hitting gets worse in 2010, expect there to be a lot of noise about this move at that time.
EDIT: Evan Grant mentions Will Clark, too. That’s a great idea, I didn’t even consider him.