Diamondbacks shuffle coaching staff

The Arizona Diamondbacks have named Dave McKay as First Base Coach, Glenn Sherlock as Third Base Coach and Turner Ward as Hitting Coach, as announced by D-backs' Executive Vice President & General Manager Kevin Towers.

McKay, 63, has 30 years of coaching experience on the Major League level, most recently serving as First Base Coach with the Cubs this season. He began his big league coaching career with the A's in 1984 as their Bullpen and Bench coach until transitioning to First Base in 1989. McKay then followed Tony LaRussa to St. Louis in 1996 and was the Cardinals' First Base Coach until 2011.The Scottsdale resident began his coaching career as a player-coach in the A's Minor League system in 1983.

"The more people I meet in the organization and the more information I learn about the D-backs, it excites me to now be a part of it," said McKay. "I couldn't be happier and am looking forward to Spring Training already. It will be great to be home during the season, but being a D-back is what's most exciting." McKay has coached on three World Series championship clubs (1989 A's, 2006 and ‘11 Cardinals), and appeared in 645 Major League games with the Twins, Blue Jays and and A's between 1975 and 1982. Unlike the last couple of 1B coaches (Eric Young Sr. and Steve Sax), McKay wasn't a speedster on the basepaths, with only 20 career SB and a season high of six.

The long-tenured Sherlock, 53, enters his 17th season with the D-backs, and was our Third Base coach in 2004 under interim manager Al Pedrique. He spent the previous nine seasons as Bullpen and Catching Coach. "I really appreciate the confidence that Gibby (Manager Kirk Gibson) and KT have in me to be Third Base Coach for the D-backs," said Sherlock. "I've enjoyed my time as Bullpen Coach and will miss the day-to-day grind with the relievers, but being at third will allow me to spend more time in-game with Miggy and the catchers. This is a tremendous opportunity, and I feel I'm prepared for the challenge."

Ward, 48, returns for his second season with the D-backs and first as Hitting Coach. He was named the club's Assistant Hitting Coach on Dec. 19, 2012. Prior to his Major League appointment, he spent five seasons at Double-A Mobile as Hitting Coach (2008-10) and Manager (2011-12). "I am very excited about being Hitting Coach for the D-backs," said Ward. "I'm looking forward to talking to the guys, understanding and helping develop their approach and moving forward to doing some game planning for the upcoming season. Most of all, it's just being available. In that position you just want to be there for the guys and push them. Knowing a lot of the guys from last year will help as we start these conversations. It's a progress and a process I'm looking forward to."

In addition, Alan Trammell has been confirmed as returning for his fourth season as Arizona's Bench Coach. Trammell, 55, begins his fourth season as Arizona's Bench Coach and 15th in a managerial or coaching capacity. "I couldn't be happier to return to the D-backs for another season," said Trammell. "I can't wait to start working with Turner Ward and Glenn Sherlock once again, and getting to know Dave McKay and the other new coaches that will be joining the organization soon."

The moves leave the following vacancies still to be filled: pitching coach (held by Charles Nagy, who was not invited to return); bullpen coach (previously occupied by Sherlock), and possibly the assistant hitting coach role which Ward occupied, if they decide to replace him in that role.