Lee Jung-hoo’s team, San Francisco Giants, will be joined by the “Master of Infield Defense.”
Local media such as “USA Today” reported on the 5th (Korea Standard Time) that former LA Angels coach Ron Washington (73) will join as San Francisco infield coach.
Giants general manager Jack Minasian also acknowledged Washington coach’s joining in an interview with radio station “KNBR” on the same day.
사진 확대 Ron Washington joins as San Francisco coach. 사진=ⓒAFPBBNews = News1
Washington boasts a wealth of experience as a major league leader. From 1996 to 2006, he coached the Athletics to first, third and infield, and later became the manager of the Texas Rangers, where he led them to two World Series appearances.
He withdrew due to an unfortunate incident during the 2014 season, but he took the opportunity again. He coached for the Athletics, Atlanta Braves. Contributed to Atlanta’s World Series win in 2021.
He took over as the manager of the Los Angeles Angels ahead of the 2024 season, but he stepped down from his position after less than two years due to health problems.
He will work for Buster Posey, who played as the opposing team’s main catcher in the 2010 World Series. Helping rookie director Tony Bytello.
Washington has a reputation as the most capable infield defensive coach in Major League Baseball. He also contributed to the improvement of Marcus Simien’s defensive skills while coaching the Athletics.
In the new team, he will work with top defenders such as Matt Chapman and Willie Adames. Two first basemen, Rafael Devers, who switched positions last season, and Bryce Eldridge, who made his big league debut, are also expected to be helped.
사진 확대 San Francisco, which hired Bytelo, a former college baseball coach, as its manager, is recruiting experienced coaches to add to its lack of experience. Photo = MK Sports DB
Washington also left an evaluation of Lee Jung-hoo while being the Angels manager last season. In an interview ahead of the home game against San Francisco in April, he said, “I feel like I’m watching a young Ichiro,” adding, “He has an excellent ability to hit the ball and make a hit.” be well aware of what one is doing. He has excellent attack skills. When the opportunity to get on base comes, he is not missing that opportunity. You can also swing here. “He has good arm strength and speed,” he said.
San Francisco, which took the helm of rookie coach Vitello, is gathering veteran coaches to add to its lack of experience in the dugout.
Earlier, former San Diego Padres coach Jace Tingler decided to join the coaching staff, and hired Bruce Bochy, who stepped down as Texas manager, as an advisor.
[KIM JAE HO, MK Sports Reporter]