MLB
The former third base coach won the internal battle and will have his chance as manager with the A’s. Meet the new Oakland Athletics head honcho.
After the departure of Bob Melvin, who left the bay to take the same position but with Fernando Tatits Jr and the San Diego Padres, Oakland Athletics has found its new boss: the A’s confirmed Mark Kotsey, their third base coach, as the team’s new manager.
Both parties have arranged a three-year contract through 2024, with a club option in 2025. The Oakland team it was the last franchise left without a manager in a Major League Baseball (MLB) still sunk in the uncertainty of the work stoppage.
Kotsay has known Oakland from his playing days, spending 4 of his 17 major league seasons with the Athletics. Even the best season of his playing career came with the green and yellow: In 2004, he hit .314 and 15 home runs. This will be your first experience as a manager.
The other Athletics candidates
According to reports, Kotsay won a close battle that included candidates external and internal to the organization. Within it, Darren Bush (hitting coach) and Marcus Jensen (bullpen) were targeted along with Kotsay (third base). Those who were interviewed (or were planning to do so) were three bench coaches from other franchises: Matt Quatrario (Tampa Bay Rays), Joe Spada (Houston Astros) y Will Venable (Boston Red Sox).
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