MLB notes: Rangers hire Jeff Banister as new manager

The Texas Rangers hired Pittsburgh Pirates bench coach Jeff Banister as their new manager.

Banister got the nod over two other finalists, interim manager Tim Bogar and Cleveland Indians bullpen coach Kevin Cash.

General manager Jon Daniels said Thursday night that Banister won over the Rangers during the interview process. Daniels described Banister as the best fit for a team that quickly wants to recreate a winning culture after its most losses since 1985.

“Jeff really impressed us across the board,” Daniels said. “From people that he works with now with the Pirates, the people that used to work there, and players that he’s had recently and some years back, stars as well as role players, and everyone came back with the desire to win, a love for the game, the love for people, the ability to reach people, the ability to connect with a variety of people, an interest in learning more.”

Banister will be formally introduced as Ron Washington’s replacement during a news conference today.

The 50-year-old Banister has been Pittsburgh’s bench coach the past four years and in the Pirates organization for 29 seasons. Hurdle was the Rangers’ hitting coach when they went to their first World Series in 2010.

Pirates GM Neal Huntington thanked Banister “for his long-standing impact and dedication. His leadership, character, work ethic, knowledge of the game, energy and passion made us better every day he was a Pirate.”

Grace, Green to join Hale

Mark Grace will join the staff of new Arizona Diamondbacks manager Chip Hale as assistant hitting coach. Additionally, Andy Green will serve as third base coach and Glenn Sherlock will be a bench coach.

Sherlock shifts from third base coach and is among six from former manager Kirk Gibson’s staff who are being retained. Another is Henry Blanco, who will return as coach and will be bullpen catcher.

Grace, who played 16 seasons in the majors and is a former Diamondbacks television analyst, was hitting coach for Arizona’s Class A affiliate Hillsboro last season. Green managed the Diamondbacks’ Double-A team in Mobile the last three seasons.

Ortiz will be Fox analyst

Three-time world champion David Ortiz will return to the World Series as an analyst for Fox. Fox said the Red Sox slugger will be on the pre- and postgame shows for Games 1 and 2. He’ll appear alongside Frank Thomas, Nick Swisher and Gabe Kapler on the set.