Dodgers Rumors: Lorenzo Bundy To Return In 2015
During Andrew Friedman’s introductory press conference, he said he had already spoken with manager Don Mattingly, confirmed he would return in 2015, but said little else regarding the coaching staff.
Since that point, it’s been rumored the Los Angeles Dodgers are on the verge of hiring Josh Byrnes, though not necessarily to fulfill the general manager position. It’s also believed Friedman will retain the scouting staff, but that too has not yet been confirmed.
Also among those who appear to be set to return next season is third base coach Lorenzo Bundy. Currently managing in the Mexican Pacific League, Bundy told Blanca Rios of Linea Directa in Mexico he spoke with the Dodgers’ new boss and was offered to return on Sunday:
We have a new boss with the Dodgers. I talked to him on Sunday and he offered me the job of third base coach again, so I will return to the Dodgers.”
Bundy also discussed the opportunity to coach for the Dodgers last season, which was his first with the team:
The opportunity to work in the Major Leagues with a team that had a chance to win, is very special, it was a good season for us, the expectations were higher and that is the business of baseball.”
While 2014 was Bundy’s first season coaching with the Dodgers, he managed their Triple-A affiliate when it was in Las Vegas in 2007 and 2008, then joined the Arizona Diamondbacks as a first base coach.
Bundy returned to the Dodgers’ organization in 2010 as manager of their rookie level affiliate before managing the Isotopes from 2011-2013. The Diamondbacks were granted permission to interview Bundy for their managerial position, but he failed to make the cut as a finalist.
Bundy’s first season as third base coach with the Dodgers didn’t come without growing pains. There were times when players appeared to disregard him, which in some instances could be attributed to Bundy putting up signs late.
Friedman or the Dodgers haven’t given any indication when decisions will be made on coaching and other personnel.