SURPRISE, Ariz. -- When the Texas Rangers announced the quartet of new additions to their coaching staff last November, they didn't try to hide the fact that some of the choices were unconventional.
Their hitting coach, Anthony Iopace, had never coached in the Major Leagues, and their pitching coach, Doug Brocail, had only been at the helm of the Houston Astros staff for two full seasons. Bullpen coach Brad Holman and assistant hitting coach Justin Mashore were also brought in from the Minors. Both were at Triple-A Round Rock last year.
Now they're a few weeks into the spring experience and Rangers manager Jeff Banister says he's been very pleased with how the coaches are meshing with the players.