Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Monday he expects the entire coaching staff to return for the 2017 season. Aside from pitching coach Rick Honeycutt, the Dodgers had all new coaches this season.
“For the coaches to come together in a first year for a lot of us to be together, I thought the work ethic, willingness and eagerness to teach, and energy was consistent all year long,” Roberts said.
“For a first year of us trying to get to know one another, and them trying to get to know and connect with the players, which is the most important thing, we did that. I’m excited to move on to Year 2.”
Whereas Honeycutt tended to the pitching staff, Turner Ward the hitters, and bench coach Bob Geren worked as Roberts’ right-hand man, first base coach George Lombard wore multiple hats.
He was instrumental in the Dodgers’ efforts to properly align their outfielders game-to-game, batter-to-batter. Lombard printed out laminated cards that he would distribute to each outfielder and go over the material prior to each game.
Prior to joining the Dodgers, Lombard was hired by the Atlanta Braves in September 2015 as roving outfield and baserunning coordinator.
Dodgers third base coach Chris Woodward was in his third season as a Major League coach. He spent the previous two seasons as the Seattle Mariners first base coach and infield instructor. Corey Seager has praised Woodward on multiple occasions for aiding his development at shortstop.
Under Honeycutt this season the Dodgers owned a collective 3.70 ERA that ranked fifth-best in the Majors. Los Angeles as a team hit .249/.319/.409, falling in the lower half of several offensive categories in their first season under Ward’s direction.
