Though nothing has been announced in terms of the Cubs’ coaching staff under new manager David Ross, all signs point to Mark Loretta being replaced as bench coach. Ross specifically mentioned during his introductory press conference that he’d need a right-hand man who would be a step ahead of him in terms of in-game decisions, a sentiment Theo Epstein echoed during an appearance on 670 The Score earlier this week.
That doesn’t necessarily describe Loretta, who isn’t viewed as the vocal lieutenant Joe Maddon had in Dave Martinez or even Brandon Hyde. As Ross learns the ropes of his new gig, he could really benefit from someone who’s been in his shoes before and can help him navigate the ins and outs of defensive positioning and pitching changes when he’s trying to protect a late one-run lead.