Bogar, Stottlemyre Jr. added to Mariners' staff

SEATTLE -- Scott Servais beat out five other finalists for the Mariners' managerial position, but the new skipper wasted little time adding one of those challengers to his new coaching staff.

Tim Bogar, a longtime Minor League manager who worked as bench coach and interim manager of the Rangers in 2014, will serve as bench coach on Servais' staff. Bogar's hiring was announced on Monday at Servais' introductory press conference, as was the addition of former D-backs coach Mel Stottlemyre Jr. as Seattle's pitching coach.

Bogar was the Angels' Double-A manager when Jerry Dipoto was the general manager and Servais was the farm director in 2013. Bogars was hired back with the Halos last season to work in the front office with Dipoto and Servais after a season with the Rangers during which Bogar took over for manager Ron Washington for the final 22 games.

"I really know how Tim is wired," Servais said. "He's a Midwest guy, like myself. Very, very organized, very detailed. He has a good eye for the game. I thought never having managed before, I need someone who has either been a bench coach or been a manager. He has a ton of experience and I'll rely heavily on him."

Servais never has worked with Stottlemyre, but Dipoto was familiar with the Yakima, Wash., native from their previous time together in the D-backs organization. Stottlemyre, 51, has spent the past 13 years with the D-backs, most recently as bullpen coach for two years after previously working as Minor League pitching coordinator and the Major League pitching coach.

"Back in the day, I played against Mel a little bit," Servais said. "And Mel Stottlemyre Sr. was actually a pitching coach of mine when I played in Houston. So I've known of Mel, and Jerry has spoken highly of him over the years. I love his intensity. He is prepared. Having a chance to come back and work in the Northwest, I know was a priority for him, so it all just lined up."

They join hitting coach Edgar Martinez and first-base coach Chris Woodward, who were held over from Lloyd McClendon's previous staff.

Padres bench coach Dave Roberts, another finalist who impressed Dipoto during the interview process, could wind up in Seattle as the third-base coach, though he's under contract in San Diego through Oct. 31. Servais still has an opening for the third-base spot as well as bullpen coach.

"We're talking to a number of people," Servais said. "For me it's about being as diverse as possible. I want guys with different backgrounds who have played different places and have different ideas. And the energy level they bring is very important."

Dipoto's six finalists for the managerial job were Servais, Bogar, Roberts, Rays coach Charlie Montoyo, Red Sox assistant GM Jason Varitek and D-backs Minor League coach Phil Nevin.

Hiring Bogar as a coach after he missed out on the manager's position didn't cause any hesitation, Dipoto said.

"None at all," Dipoto said. "As Tim said, if this is the group you're putting together and this is the way you choose to go, I'm on board."

And Dipoto feels adding Bogar to the staff was a huge positive as well.

"I've known Tim for a long time, probably about as long as I've known Scott," Dipoto said. "He's a former teammate of mine and a terrific baseball guy. Tim has a great baseball acumen and just common sense. I also love the fact we have a bench coach who has experience and has managed games at that level, because he can slow it down."