Bench, first base coaches gone
It didn’t take long for the Texas Rangers to make some changes for the 2014 season.
While manager Ron Washington will return, bench coach Jackie Moore and first-base coach Dave Anderson will not. The Rangers announced Wednesday that the contracts of Moore and Anderson will not be renewed.
After 56 years of baseball, the 74-year-old Moore, a longtime friend of Rangers CEO Nolan Ryan, said he had no idea why he was let go. Ryan lost most of his power when general manager Jon Daniels was also named president of baseball operations before this season.
“You look for reasons and I haven’t found any, other than me being a Nolan guy,” Moore said.
The remainder of Washington’s staff, including pitching coach Mike Maddux, bullpen coach Andy Hawkins and third-base coach Gary Pettis, is expected back in 2014.
Both Moore and Anderson, who was demoted from third-base coach to first-base coach this season, joined the Rangers’ staff in 2009. They were on a coaching staff that guided the Rangers to World Series appearances in 2010 and 2011.
Washington said Tuesday that he didn’t expect any changes on his coaching staff but added that he had to meet with Daniels to review the 2013 season.
“I thought we had done pretty good around here with two World Series and the playoffs,” Moore said. “I enjoyed working with Wash and the other coaches and players. We had such a good situation in the clubhouse. Nolan brought me [in] and a lot of good came out of it.”
Anderson said he was “disappointed” by the Rangers’ decision.
“I’m disappointed because we’ve had a lot of success in the organization since I’ve been here,” Anderson said. “But I understand the ballclub is going to do what they think is best. You have to accept that.
“Me personally, I had a great run here with this organization. I thanked JD, (assistant GM) Thad (Levine) and Wash when I talked to them this morning. I have nothing but fond memories from my time here.”
Anderson said he hasn’t decided what he’ll do next but will consider going into a front office or scouting department somewhere in addition to possible on-field jobs around the league.
Daniels said that he and Washington met briefly in the middle of September and decided they would hold off on any staff discussions until the season was over. The club had organizational meetings Tuesday, and a change was decided on.
“We’re ultimately proud of winning 91 games and all that, but we’re not where we want to be,” Daniels said. “It’s not on either Dave or Jackie. It’s on us as an organization.”
Washington said Moore is like a family member and will be missed.
“My heart in aching,” Washington said.
The Rangers’ manager said he’s not sure if there will be hugs after winning games with his next bench coach.
“I really hope so,” Washington said. “That’s between me and Jackie and is something that he and I created. I don’t know how I’m going to react. But if I react and I decide I want to hug the guy next to me, I hope he welcomes it. If he doesn’t welcome it, then I’ll shake his hand.”