I've been overlooked once again.
Mick Kelleher was named the first base coach for the 2009 season. The Yankees will move last year's bench coach Rob Thompson to third base and Tony Pena will take up the role as Joe Girardi's right-hand man.
Dave Eiland (pitching coach), Kevin Long (hitting coach) and Mike
Harkey (bullpen coach) will return in their respective roles next season.
The hiring of Kelleher was made after the Yanks jettisoned Bobby Meacham last month. Thompson didn't really distinguish himself as bench coach last year, but he'll make more of an impact at the hot corner. It'll be interesting to see if he's as much of a "gambler" as Meacham was last season.
I like the promotion of Pena to bench coach. It was a bit of a waste to have him coaching first base, especially since he managed in the big leauges and earned Manager of the Year honors with the Kansas City Royals in 2003. Pena's experience should help Girardi during his sophomore season in the Bronx.
Still, it would have been nice if the Yanks considered me for the job.
Any job.
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I love the marginalization of Girardi. I just wish they'd do the right thing, fire him and bring Mattingly back to manage this team.