The Dodgers made a coaching change on Wednesday, dismissing hitting coach Jeff Pentland and naming ex-Dodger Dave Hansen his replacement. Hansen will be the interim replacement for the rest of the season.
It's a move that may or may not be overdue, depending on if you believe hitting coaches really make that much of a difference. It's hard to pin the blame just on Pentland, as I'm sure the Dodgers know. But at the same time, it's not a bad idea to try something different, as this offense has been sucking pond water for the longest time.
Hansen was a pinch-hitting extraordinaire back in his day. He played with the Dodgers on a couple of occasions. He was drafted in the second round in 1986 before making his debut towards the end of 1990. He lasted with LA through 1996, before returning for another go-around in 2000, hitting seven homers off the bench.
What Hansen has going for him is that he knows more than anyone what it's like for role players to get a big hit. He ranks sixth all time in pinch hits, so he knows what it takes to keep rallies going. Now, he'll step up from his previous role of secondary hitting instructor.
He's got his work cut out for him, that's for sure. The Dodgers have a decent batting average at .250, but are nearly last in other categories like doubles, homers, slugging, and OPS. If Hansen can get more people contributing in the lineup, then he's done his job. Good luck with that.
1 comment:
Congratulations Dave! Amazing turnaround in several players after you took over. Sometimes, the mental aspect of hitting is overlooked or taken for granted but, as you know, hitters must think positive when at bat. Glad to hear you're resigned for 2012.
Good Luck!
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