Count me in as a guy who is not really impressed with the four hitting coach candidates.  Other than Greer, the other 3 weren't known for their hitting when they were  playing in the Majors.  Clint Hurdle was one of the most overhyped, biggest prospect flops in history, Thad Bosley had a sub-mediocre career, and Gerald Perry was basically a utility player.  Why not get someone who has actually had hitting success??

The three names mentioned above in the subject line would fit that bill.

Just because you can hit doesn't mean you can coach, break down film, and adjust mechanics/plate approach. Some of the greatest coachs (accross the board in all sports) have never been good players.

Some players might know what to do but they just don't have the physical tools to execute.

I've always been a big believer that playing ability has little to do with coaching ability. For example, Ted Williams was a great play and a bad coach. The same was true with Rod Carew. Even Tony Gwynn is proving to be a below-average coach in college baseball.

Rudy Jaramillo was never a big-time hitter. Clint Hurdle, who I like and is a solid manager, has already proven that he can coach. Charlie Manuel, who is well-known as one of the best hitting minds in the game, was a career .198 hitter in the Majors.

Ofcourse, there are exceptions.

It's more than an exception. Name a few Hall of Fame hitters that have been excellent coaches.

JasonCole wrote:

It's more than an exception. Name a few Hall of Fame hitters that have been excellent coaches.

Lou Bordeau

Joe Cronin

Red Shoediest

Yogi Berra

Pete Rose, who should be in the Hall Of Fame.

I'm sure there are plenty more, but those are the ones I can think of off the top of my head.

That's a short list, and none of them are recent at all. All of the great hitting coaches in the game today were mediocre players, at the very best.

I've always been a believer in the theory that those who had to work hardest to know and perfect the game are the best coaches. I think that's why we see so many catchers making great managers–they were forced to know the game inside and out.