Vizquel leaves Halos to join Tigers' staff

ANAHEIM -- The Angels figured it was only a matter of time before someone snatched Omar Vizquel from their organization via a promotion.

And over the weekend, it happened.

The Angels gave the Tigers permission to interview Vizquel for the job as first-base coach as part of the evolving staff of rookie manager Brad Ausmus. And on Monday, it was announced that Vizquel was leaving his position as the Halos' roving infield instructor for his first spot on a Major League coaching staff.

The Tigers announced the hiring of Vizquel along with that of Wally Joyner (hitting coach), Mick Billmeyer (bullpen coach) and Matt Martin (defensive coordinator). Vizquel, an 11-time Gold Glove Award winner, will also coach infielders and baserunners.

The Angels gave Vizquel his first coaching job, in 2013, one season removed from his final year as a player with the Blue Jays in '12, but he wasn't a fit for either of their two openings for Mike Scioscia's 2014 staff. The Halos had a vacancy at hitting coach and third-base coach, but Vizquel didn't have experience at either, and they already had Alfredo Griffin coaching first base and infielders.

Instead, the Angels hired ex-skipper Don Baylor to be their hitting coach and former Triple-A manager Gary DiSarcina as third-base coach. Former Nats hitting coach Rick Eckstein is also expected to join the staff as a hybrid seventh coach, but the announcement hasn't been made yet.