PHOENIX -- The D-backs are making progress in hiring a replacement for bench coach Ron Gardenhire and an announcement could come within the next week.
"We've gone through a process like we always do -- just taking a step back and making sure we're making the right decisions," general manager Mike Hazen said.
Gardenhire, who managed the Twins from 2002-14 before joining the D-backs' staff prior to last season, was hired recently by the Tigers to replace manager Brad Ausmus.
Gardenhire missed five weeks towards the beginning of last season while undergoing surgery and treatment for prostate cancer.
In his absence, Jerry Narron, who had been slated to be the team's Triple-A Reno manager, served as bench coach and it would seem likely that Narron will be the one tabbed to replace Gardenhire.
Gardenhire's personality and passion for the game made him a popular figure among his fellow coaches as well as the players and front office.
"Obviously, we were very excited for Gardy," Hazen said. "We really benefited from having him here. I know it was only for one year, but having him really made a huge difference for us from Spring Training on. His contributions on the bench, his contributions in the clubhouse, relationships that he developed with the players and front office -- everything that he did you could see why he was such a successful manager, communicator, leader all those things. We were very fortunate to have worked with him, gotten to know him and build those relationships."