Rangers let coaches Moore, Anderson go from staff

RLINGTON -- The Rangers decided not to renew the contracts of bench coach Jackie Moore and first-base coach Dave Anderson. Both were informed Wednesday morning by general manager Jon Daniels before the Rangers made an official announcement.

"Both of these are well-respected baseball men," Daniels said. "They have put in a lot of hours for us over the years. Both made an impact here, and we are thankful for that. We have had success as an organization, but you're always looking to improve. Sometimes you have tough decisions to make. This is not a decision that was made easily.

"But we have a responsibility to our organization and our fan base to do what's best, and sometimes you have to make tough calls like this in the name of getting better. This is what it's all about."

The moves come one day after manager Ron Washington said he wanted his entire coaching staff to return. He was especially close to Moore, who has been his bench coach and sitting next to him for every game over the past five seasons

"It was the day after we finished the season," Washington said. "What else could I say other than I wanted my coaches back? Jackie is a family member of mine. This is not something we take lightly. My heart is aching. But, like everything else, I'm a baseball man. When we start the process, we're going to bring in the best that's out there."

Moore was also in charge of the catchers, while Anderson was the Rangers' infield instructor. Both areas will be considered when new coaches are hired. Double-A manager Steve Buechele, who was a Major League infielder for 11 years, is a strong candidate. Hector Ortiz, who is the Rangers' roving catching instructor, is also highly regarded by Washington. But they will also look outside the organization.

"We're always looking internally," Daniels said. "There are some internal candidates on the list, but we haven't contacted anybody, internally or externally."

A bench coach helps a manager navigate through a game, and the last two who have held the position -- Art Howe and Moore -- both had Major League managerial experience. Two 2013 managers who will not return to their clubs -- Eric Wedge with the Mariners and Dale Sveum from the Cubs -- could be of interest. Wedge is a former Major League catcher, while Sveum was an infielder.

But Daniels said Major League managerial experience is less of a priority now that Washington has seven years on the job.

"We're just looking for a guy that is prepared," Washington said. "A guy who sees a lot before it materializes. We're looking for a guy that is in sync with me … a guy who is total baseball, a guy who can help you navigate through the game. We're looking for the best possible choice."

Moore was in his fourth tour of duty as a Rangers coach and spent 11 years with the organization. This was his 56th year as a player, coach or manager in professional baseball. He managed the Athletics from 1984-86 and was the Reds' bench coach when they won the World Series in '90. He was previously a coach with the Rangers in 1974-76, '80 and 1993-94.

"You never know what will happen in this game," Moore said. "To be honest, I don't know why I was fired. I thought we're doing good. We had a great run and moving the organization forward. It was a genuine pleasure to work with Ron Washington. I don't know how the man does it. He takes a lot and keeps it out of the clubhouse.

"I've said it before and I'll say it again, if you can't play or coach for Ron Washington, you can't work for anybody. Nolan Ryan too."

Anderson spent four years as third-base coach and one at first base. A former Dodgers infielder who played on their 1988 World Series-winning team, he also managed Double-A Frisco in 2007.

Pitching coach Mike Maddux, bullpen coach Andy Hawkins, hitting coach Dave Magadan and third-base coach Gary Pettis are expected back next season.