Coaching carousel
Back from a post-World Series vacation and keeping an eye on the smoldering hot stove, which will heat up next month at the Winter Meeetings in Indianapolis. Here's some moves in the dugout I found interesting:
---New Indians manager Manny Acta made three more additions to his staff today, including the hiring of former Bisons pitching coach Scott Radinsky as his new bullpen coach. Acta went with an outsider, Steve Smith, as his third base/infield coach, a post some thought could go to Torey Lovullo. The first base coach slot is still open and Lovullo probably has a chance for that.
---One I missed during the chaos of the Series: The Orioles named Jeff Datz, former Bisons manager and deposed Indians bench coach, as their new bench coach under Dave Tremblay. Here's more from Datz on how the interview process went down.
---Also today: Ex-Met Wally Backman, exiled to independent ball after a misdemeanor assault charge and DUI ended his four-day stint as Diamondbacks manager in 2004, was hired by the Mets to manage Class A Brooklyn in the New York-Penn League
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Elsewhere, have you seen the new national AT&T ad featuring a fictional Bison getting called up? The ad was filmed in Lake Elsinore, Calif., and not at Coca-Cola Field but it prominently features "Buffalo" on the player's jersey and his phone. Why the Bisons? AT&T has long been one of the team's top national partners. Check it out here:
---Mike Harrington


Sir, Mid November Salutations and So Glad that You Had Very Well Deserved Vacation and as Usual Excellent Column On Monday Nov. 16, 2009. Mike, Very Surprised Direction Tribe is Going with Mr. Acta..As of Now Not Include Mr. Lovullo on Major League Coaching Roster..Mr. Lovullo Knows System so Well of Cleveland Talent and as Well Wonderful Teacher. I Hope Mr. Acta Can Re-Group and Make Importent Descions, Just Like Mr. Eric Mangini and Special Evening for Browns On Monday Nite Football..You Need a Coaching Staff That You Can Trust..Mr. Lovullo, Can Add so Much to The Tribe and Certainly, So Importent Right from Spring Training, to Mold Indians to Improve in 2010..Mr. Lovullo is Man for this Postion..Mr. Kevin H. Hodge
Posted by: Mr. Kevin H. Hodge | November 16, 2009 at 12:58 PM