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Beasley
Tony Beasley (left) says his one season with the Nationals will make him a better instructor with the young Pirates. |
BY STEVE DeSHAZO
Returning to the major leagues as a coach was one of Tony Beasley's primary goals. Getting there with the Pittsburgh Pirates only sweetens the deal.
"It's gratifying," Beasley said yesterday, one day after being named the Pirates' third base coach for the 2008 season.
"Not just to be in the big leagues, but to do it with the Pirates organization. My heart and soul is in this organization."
Beasley who turns 41 next month, has spent 14 of the past 15 years with the Pirates as a minor-league player (1992-98), coach and manager. The Bowling Green native managed Pirates farm teams for five seasons, reaching the playoffs four times.
The Washington Nationals hired him away as their third base coach in 2005. But when Frank Robinson was fired after the season, his coaches were let go, too. Beasley returned to the Pirates last season as a roving minor-league infield coordinator.
Beasley's history with the Pirates, his familiarity with the organization's young players and his managerial success all helped him land the promotion.
Besides coaching third, his duties probably will include infield defense and base-running instruction.
"He brings a lot to the table in terms of discipline, energy and an ability to teach," new Pirates general manager Neil Huntington said in a statement.
Still, Beasley had little prior contact with Huntington or new manager John Russell, who both joined the Pirates after the 2007 season. Beasley underwent a thorough interview with Huntington last Tuesday--not specifically for the third base job.
"It was a detailed interview that covered everything. They dotted every I and crossed every T," Beasley said. "I was asked about every facet of the game. I felt good about the interview."
When the Nationals hired him in 2005, Beasley had no big-league experience--and very limited knowledge of the club's personnel.
This time, he feels as if he has a head start.
"Washington was a great opportunity," he said, "but I felt like I had to spend the majority of my first year building relationships. The second year, had there been one, would have been more hands-on teaching.
"I had to spend the first year earning the trust of the players. That's already there in Pittsburgh. It's been established. So from Day One, it'll be about teaching."
The small-market Pirates need some instruction. They haven't had a winning record since Barry Bonds left as a free agent after the 1992 season. They have a sparkling new ballpark, but one of baseball's lowest payrolls and a shallow farm system.
Beasley is optimistic that the Pirates can close the gap on their richer rivals, though.
"On paper, we may not be as good, but we can be better," he said. "It comes down to fundamentals things every guy in the clubhouse can do.
"We'll win our share of ball games. I believe baseball is not a brute sport. You don't win with size and physicality. You win with pride, dignity and doing things the right way."
Beasley was one of three coaches named to Russell's staff on Tuesday. Also selected were Gary Varsho (bench coach) and Luis Dorante (bullpen coach). Yesterday, they chose Jeff Andrews as pitching coach.
The Pirates have two other major-league coaching vacancies: hitting coach and first base coach. One of the hitting coach candidates is North Stafford High School graduate Gregg Ritchie, who spent 2007 as the Pirates' minor-league hitting coordinator. That position is not expected to be filled until next week.
Steve DeShazo: 540/374-5443
