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Hinch begins search for new coaches

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By Steve Gilbert / MLB.com

10/20/09 8:28 AM ET

PHOENIX -- D-backs manager A.J. Hinch has started the process for finding new first and third-base coaches, but don't expect an announcement soon.

"I would say first week of November is my goal as far as any decisions," Hinch said.

The openings on the staff came about when the contracts of third-base coach Chip Hale and first-base coach Lorenzo Bundy were not renewed the day after the 2009 regular season concluded.

Hinch would prefer there not be a lot of speculation about who he may or may not interview.

"I don't think it's fair to the process," he said.

While he may not want to discuss names, it sounds like he's got a pretty good handle on the pool of candidates out there.

"I am working to be very thorough with deciding who to interview," Hinch said. "I have some specific strengths I am hoping to add to our staff."

When it comes to internal candidates from Arizona's Minor League system, familiarity will not be a problem, as Hinch spent three-plus years as farm director.

"They have, in a way, interviewed with me for four years," Hinch said.

When he took over for Bob Melvin on May 8, Hinch inherited bench coach Kirk Gibson, Hale, Bundy and bullpen coach Glenn Sherlock. Hitting coach Rick Schu was dismissed at the same time as Melvin and pitching coach Bryan Price resigned.

To replace Schu and Price, Hinch promoted Jack Howell and Mel Stottlemyre Jr. from the farm system.

Gibson agreed to a two-year contract extension following the season and Howell and Stottlemyre are under contract through 2010. Sherlock was asked to return and expressed his desire to do so, but the two sides have not actually formalized a contract.

While he will consult with general manager Josh Byrnes, Hinch said the final decision on the new staff members rests with him.

"Josh is letting me run the search, which is really nice because it's important that a coach doesn't feel like he's being forced on a manager and that a manager doesn't feel like he's being forced to hire someone," Hinch said.

Steve Gilbert is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.