All six of manager Scott Servais’s coaches — Manny Acta (3B), Tim Bogar (bench), Casey Candaele (1B), Mike Hampton (bullpen), Edgar Martinez (hitting) and Mel Stottlemyre (pitching) — will return for the 2017 season, the Mariners announced Thursday. Scott Brosius will move up from AAA Tacoma and join the staff as an assistant hitting coach.
“Our coaches played a huge role in creating the culture, both on and off the field, that we enjoyed last season,” said Servais. “I am pleased that all will return in 2017 as we continue to work toward our shared goal of winning a World Series in Seattle.”
Servais also said that Chris Prieto, who spent the three previous seasons as Seattle’s quality assurance coach, will shift to special projects coach.
In addition to coaching third base, Acta is responsible for defensive positioning. Next season will be Acta’s second in Seattle and his 13th as an MLB coach or manager. Bogar assists Servais with all facets of pre-game and in-game decision making. The 2017 season will be his second with Seattle and his eighth as an MLB coach or manager.
Candaele is responsible for base running and outfield defense. The 2017 season will be his second with Seattle and his second as an MLB coach. Hampton enters his second season as an MLB coach.
Under Martinez, the Mariners ranked sixth in the majors in runs scored (4.74 per game) in 2016 and third in home runs with 223. Stottlemyre used a club-record 32 pitchers last season, including 13 starters. The Mariners still finished with a team ERA of 4.00, third-best in the American League.
Brosius spent his first season as a professional coach with the Rainiers. He spent previous the eight years (2008-15) as head coach at Linfield College (McMinnville, OR.), where he had a 270-96 record and won a national title.
Brosius appeared in parts of 11 MLB seasons with Oakland (1991-97) and New York-AL (1998-2001).
Fleming Baez (bullpen catcher) and Nasusel Cabrera (batting practice pitcher) will return.
