Bench Mob, Padres Fill 2019 Coaching Staff

With the recent departure of San Diego Padres bench coach Mark McGwire and hitting coach Matt Stairs, there’s been lots of speculation about which coaches will fill those rolls on Manager Andy Green’s staff.

 Today, the Padres ended the speculation by announcing the members of  Green’s coaching staff for the 2019 campaign.

 As expected the Padres are promoting from within to fill most of their coaching spots.

 Johnny Washington, the Padres assistant hitting coach last season, will serve as the hitting coach in 2019.

Rod Barajas will be the bench coach, replacing McGwire. Obviously, taking over for the legendary slugger will be a challenge, but Barajas is uniquely suited to meet that challenge.  Barajas has spent the last 5 seasons in the Padres minor leagues, the last 3 as manager for the Triple-A El Paso Chihuahuas. There Barajas led the Chihuahuas to three straight Pacific Coast League division titles, before that he spent time in Single -A Lake Elsinore and Double-A San Antonio.  All that time in the minors, allowed Barajas to establish relationships and become very familiar with many of the Padres prospects who are working their way to the big leagues or are already there.

 Also, joining the Padres staff will be Damion Easley, who will primarily work with infielders and serve as assistant hitting coach. Easley enters his eight season with the Padres organization and his first at the major league level.  As a player, Easley made an All-Star team and played 17 MLB seasons.

 Returning to the staff will be pitching coach Darren Balsley, bullpen coach Doug Bochtler, third base coach Glenn Hoffman and first base coach Skip Schumaker.

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