Pedrique out, Pettini in

J.R. · Jan 11, 2012

http://www.myfoxhouston.com/dpp/sports/mlb/120111-bench-coach-al-pedrique-leaves-astros-

HOUSTON - Citing a lack of respect from the Houston Astros organization, Al Pedrique has resigned as bench coach after two years as manager Brad Mills' top assistant coach.

"They offered me the bullpen coaching job and I told them that after being the bench coach for two years and being told that I did a good job, a good coach, I didn't see the need of me accepting the role to go to bullpen coach," Pedrique said in an interview with FOX 26 Sports.

"Brad Mills and (Astros general manager) Jeff (Luhnow) told me they were bringing in somebody out of the organization to support the manager to be successful. I told them my goal is to move forward, and it's not to move backwards with an organization.

"I'm very disappointed because I gave 100 per cent every day. I told the organization I can help them in a better role and a number of times I was told by Brad Mills that I did a good job as a bench coach."

Luhnow confirmed the Astros did have another spot available for Pedrique on the Houston staff.

"We offered Al another position on the Major League Staff," said Luhnow. "We value his contribution and wanted to keep him.

"He chose to pursue other opportunities and we wish him well and very much appreciate everything he's done for the Astros."

Luhnow said the Astros have replaced Pedrique with Joe Pettini, who had been the bench for the St. Louis Cardinals for the last ten years.

Pedrique said the Astros reasoning to move him to the bullpen was nothing more than an "excuse" to replace him.

"Definitely it's a major disappointment to be told that they want to move me to the bullpen because I'm bilingual," Pedrique said.

"I say that's an excuse. At this level, the Major League level, the Latin players should be able to understand English, and it never was an issue with the Astros, the lack of communication with the Latin pitchers from the bullpen.

"So I found it was a lack of respect at being demoted, because they want to bring somebody in from outside the organization. It wasn't fair for me to accept that.

"That was an excuse to move me out of my position, my role, so they could bring somebody in from outside the organzation."

Pedrique, who is under contract to the Astros for 2012, said Luhnow has given him permission to look for another job.

"I understand it's part of the business when you get a new general manager or new manager, changes are going to be made," Pedrique said.

"My question to them was 'how come I'm not getting the chance to be evaluated in my role?' Why do I have to accept a role that I've never done in baseball?

"In 33 years I've never done a job related with pitchers or catchers, and you look throughout Major League teams, everybody that holds that position, they were pitchers or catchers.

"I need to be realistic. I didn't think it was right for me to take the job, because I wasn't going to help the organization as a bullpen coach."

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HOUSTON - The Houston Astros hired former St. Louis Cardinals bench coach Joe Pettini to become manager Brad Mills' bench coach.

Pettini replaces Al Pedrique, who had been the Astros bench coach for the past two years.

Pedrique told FOX 26 Sports he was offered a demotion to become Houston's bullpen coach, but he turned that down to pursue other opportunities.

Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow said the opportunity to add Pettini to the Houston staff was too good to pass up.

"He was very much critical to the success of the St. Louis Cardinals over the last ten years, which includes three runs at the World Series and two championships," Luhnow said.

"The way he runs spring training. The way he organizes all of the fundamentals, he really brings so much experience to the game. He was a minor league field coordinator for many years before that. He just has a really deep understanding of all the elements of the game. His experience is invaluable and the fact that we were able to get someone like him is an opportunity I really felt we couldn't miss."

The Astros have also hired Matt Sinatro as the club's major league catching coach and advance scouting coordinator.

"He has a pretty extensive resume," Luhnow said. "He worked with Lou Piniella for over a decade.

"He was a second-round draft pick, catcher in the big leagues. He's going to help us on the catching side as well as with advance scouting. He will be part of the Major League staff as well.

Luhnow said the Astros have also hired Dan Radison as a special assistant in player development.

Raddison has been in baseball for more than 30 years and was most recently with the Washington Nationals.

Luhnow also said the Astros have hired Mike Elias as a special assistant for the scouting department.

He joins the Astros from the Cardinals where has been a cross-checker and scout for the past five years.
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http://www.myfoxhouston.com/dpp/spo...ame-joe-pettini-from-cardinals-as-bench-coach

tellitlikeitis · Jan 11, 2012

Pitchers and catchers report February 19

xAliceInChains · Jan 11, 2012

It sucks to lose your job, but I'm perfectly fine with Pettini, who has a much larger track record.

Major · Jan 12, 2012

What exactly does a bench coach do?

juicystream · Jan 12, 2012

Major said: ↑

What exactly does a bench coach do?
Click to expand...

I believe they attack the other team's starting pitcher...

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