Dodgers: Third Base Coach Chris Woodward Finds A New Baseball Home
On Thursday, it was reported that Los Angeles Dodgers third-base coach Chris Woodward was interviewing with the Texas Rangers. Then, on Friday the announcement was made that Woodward would be the new manager of the Texas Rangers.
LA #Dodgers 3B coach Chris Woodward has been hired to be the next manager of the Texas #Rangers
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) November 3, 2018
Nevertheless, this ends a tenure for Woodward with the Dodgers that has been a fixture since 2016. When a Dodgers player hits a home run – he’s the guy at third slapping hands with said player. Woodward is also the coach you see giving signals to the batter from the dugout in between every pitch.
We detailed his history within baseball in our last post – but the ripple effect the Dodgers probably suffer is the need for someone to coach infield fundamentals. Woodward retired from baseball in 2012 and joined the Seattle Mariners in 2014. Coaching infield was his door into the coaching carousel of the big leagues – he served as an infield coach for Seattle in 2014 and 2015.
Woodward replaces incumbent Jeff Bannister in Texas who was fired in September. The Rangers posted back-to-back losing seasons for the first time in a decade in 2018.
No immediate replacement for the Dodgers third-base position has been named as of yet. Woodward goes down as the first domino to fall in a group of special people that will not make a return to make a bid for a third straight World Series appearance.Front Office Press Conference Recap
Best of luck to Chris Woodward in his new job as Rangers manager. My initial thought is that the best choice to replace him on the Dodgers coaching staff as infield and 3rd Base Coach is Chase Utley. Chase is well-respected by all players and is expert in his knowledge of infield defense, baserunning, and maximizing each and every at-bat. He would be a great hire by the Dodgers.
My understanding, Chase is retiring to spend more time with his young kids. It didn’t sound like coaching was an immediate interest and it sure wouldn’t free up his time to spend with his family.
Congrats to Chris Woodward on being named Rangers manager. Dodgers should immediately hire Chase Utley to replace Chris as he is the perfect guy to coach infield defense and maximize Dodgers base-running and at-bat success. And he would keep a one of the most respected voices in baseball in the Dodgers clubhouse and dugout.
I think we all agree; Chase would be a great fit for that role. I think he plans to spend time with family in retirement but could be a great role for him in 5-10. Feel confident he someday is part of the Dodgers staff
Excellent suggestion!!
Chase Utley
2nd base Chris Taylor 3rd base coach Chase Utley