OAKLAND -- The A's have finalized their 2016 Minor League coaching staff, making it official Monday with an announcement that includes the hiring of two new coordinators: Gil Patterson as Minor League pitching coordinator and Jim Eppard as Minor League hitting coordinator.
Juan Navarrete, entering his 22nd season with the A's, will be back as the Minor League defensive coordinator, while Craig Lefferts and Aaron Nieckula assume their roles as Minor League rehab pitching coordinator and Minor League field coordinator, respectively. Nieckula will also manage the A's short-season club at Vermont.
The highly regarded Patterson returns to the A's organization after spending each of the previous three seasons with the Yankees in a similar role.