Nats expect to keep consistency with coaching staff
Rizzo doesn't expect major changes after hiring of Matt Williams as manager
WASHINGTON -- Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo said he doesn't expect a lot of changes to the coaching staff, but an announcement isn't coming until a later date.
"We are in discussions with the coaching staff ," Rizzo said. "We are going to try to keep some consistency, but we are not at the point yet where we can announce what the coaching staff consists of."
Randy Knorr, a managerial candidate before Matt Williams was given the job, will remain the bench coach, while, according to a baseball source, Steve McCatty will return as the pitching coach. Under McCatty, Washington's pitching staff ranked sixth in the National League with a 3.59 ERA.
Knorr has been the bench coach since 2012. Of current players on Washington's Major League roster, Knorr managed 11 of them, including Ryan Zimmerman and Stephen Strasburg, in the Minor Leagues.
"I've been around these guys a long time. They are pursuing a championship. I want to be a part of it. This is a great group," Knorr said via telephone.
It's not known what will happen with first-base coach Tony Tarasco, third-base coach Trent Jewett and bullpen coach Jim Lett. A baseball source said Lett will not be back with the club in 2014.