Theo Epstein Confirms One More Coach Will Return From 2019 Staff
The Cubs 2020 coaching staff under David Ross is becoming a little more clear. The organization has made changes in all facets of the franchise and of course before any roster moves the ones getting the most attention have been the coaches.
Joe Maddon is off to the Angels and following him from the Cubs were Brian Butterfield and Tim Buss. Meanwhile, Lester Strode was replaced as the team’s bullpen coach with Chris Young, who was previously the pitching coach of the Phillies. Mark Loretta, who got his first coaching gig in 2019 as Maddon’s bench coach, won’t be returning, as the Cubs hired Andy Green for the job. They wanted someone with previous managerial experience and Green seems like a good fit, having managed in the minors and the majors during the last eight years.
Chris Denorfia won’t be coming back as a quality assurance coach, but Will Venable, who’s been the Cubs first base coach for a few years, will return to the Cubs coaching staff in 2020.
So, the Cubs have two coaching spots open.
Back in October, Venable was vocal about wanting to stay with the Cubs and part of the solution on the North Side.
Via the Chicago Sun-Times.
“My interest is really in the organization in general,” said Venable, who expects to interview early next week. “I’m just trying to do what I can to be part of the solution that’s going to get this organization back on track.”
Venable will remain on the Cubs coaching staff along with Tommy Hottovy, Anthony Iapoce and Mike Borzello.