A's Hire New Bench Coach, Hitting Coach
OAKLAND (AP) -- The Oakland Athletics have hired Joel Skinner as bench coach and Gerald Perry as hitting coach as part of an overhaul of their coaching staff. The team announced the changes to manager Bob Geren's staff on Wednesday.
Skinner replaces Tye Waller, who will be the first-base coach. Waller replaces Todd Steverson.
Perry has been a hitting coach for 10 seasons in the majors, including 2006 in Oakland when the A's made it to the AL championship series. He replaces Jim Skaalen, whose contract was not renewed after two years.
The A's also say they will not renew the contract of head athletic trainer Stephen Sayles.
Pitching coach Curt Young, third-base coach Mike Gallego and bullpen coach Ron Romanick will return next season.
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