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Padres hitting coaches don’t have job security. They are first to be blamed so it’s amazing Alan Zinter lasted as long as he did. A few moments ago the Padres announced that he had been relieved of his duties. They’ll look to replace the position during the offseason.
Statement from the Padres: pic.twitter.com/jXJCfMQzQQ
— San Diego Padres (@Padres) September 1, 2017
The reason for the dismissal came down to results. If you hadn’t noticed the Padres suck. I hope that a new hitting coach will make a difference but I somehow doubt it. The new guy will be praised for his hard work and dedication next season, fail to turn bad hitters into good ones and then be fired and replaced.
The #Padres announce hitting coach Alan Zinter has been relieved of his duties. San Diego is last in the Majors in runs, average and OBP.
— Nathan Ruiz (@NathanSRuiz) September 1, 2017
Padres Manager Andy Green made the “excruciating” decision and is certain that the team isn’t going to get to the next level with Zinter in the role.
Padres fire hitting coach Alan Zinter - The San Diego Union-Tribune
“I’d put this at the top of the list of probably most excruciating decisions I’ve ever made in my life,” Green said. “In so many ways, he brought passion, he worked incredibly hard, he cared immensely. There’s nothing wrong that’s been done.”
Green: I held a conviction that if we're going to get to the next level as an organization, we're going to need another voice in that seat.
— AJ Cassavell (@AJCassavell) September 1, 2017
The timing of the firing was said to be for Zinter’s benefit. Now so he can get an early start on the job search.
Per Andy Green, the timing of the move served to allow for Zinter to be part of various other coaching searches as the offseason approaches.
— AJ Cassavell (@AJCassavell) September 1, 2017