More from the new bench coach
In this space yesterday we presented a story on the O's new bench coach, Jeff Datz.
The 2010 season will be Datz's 29th in pro ball. During last eight years he's been a coach with Cleveland, spending about four years as bench coach for the Indians.
He played professionally, mostly in the minors, as a catcher, from 1982-90. In 1989, he saw his only Major League action as a September call up for the Tigers. He went 2 for 10 at the plate, getting his first big league hit in Baltimore off Gregg Olson.
From 1994-99, Datz managed in the Indians system, going 403-383 (.513). His 1998 Buffalo team won the International League Championship.
Datz was a 19th-round draft pick of the Houston Astros in 1982.
Here are some more questions Datz answered Thursday in our interview with the Orioles newest coach.
What are your strengths as a bench coach?
"Eric Wedge was great to work for, we had a good rapport and I'm hoping for the same with Dave. I have eight years experience in the American League and have a good feel for the game and the players.
"I just want to manage along with Dave, stay a couple of innings ahead, not have the game speed up on us. I'll throw things out to Dave and offer some things as the game goes along. Dave as manager will have the final say on things. I'll do everything I can on the field, off the field, in the dugout, in the clubhouse to help Dave and our club."
How does a bench coach help during the game?
"We'll be prepared. We'll have our advance scouting reports and we'll prepare our players for that series and game. Then they need to go out and work hard and smart to get a win. This game is all about the players. The staff tries to teach, develop and prepare them."
What about working in the AL East?
"It's challenging - very tough division. I look forward to that challenge. We have a good group of core players to hold our own and do everything we can to win each day."
What is important in coordinating spring training workouts?
"I take pride in being organized, professional and being prepared. Get after it each and every day. Play the game right and respect the game.
"I look forward to coordinating spring training. We'll give the staff whatever they want. We'll get the schedule and have that for them day one of spring training."
What are some highlights from your career?
"I thank God each and every day that I can be in this game. There have been a lot of highlights along the way. It was gratifying to be in post-season with the Indians in 2007. We were one game away from the World Series but didn't finish it off.
"The day I was drafted into this game was a highlight. I'll never forget getting my first Major League hit in Baltimore (in September of 1989) and handing the ball to my mom and dad.
"I've had 18 years with Cleveland and that was great. Lot of good friends and family there. Now it's time to move on. Every day in the big leagues is special, whether you are a player of staff member. So you work hard and bust your tail for your organization."
Datz said he'll spend the next few weeks pouring over stats, the media guide and the internet to learn more about the O's players. He's already worked with Jeremy Guthrie, Micheal Aubrey, Danys Baez and Luke Scott.
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Categories (click for archive)Orioles News | Steve Melewski |
Steve,
What is Datz's personality like? Will he be the hard nose to Trembley's nice guy?
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That I can't say. I've never met him except for a phone conversation we had Thursday for an interview. Plus, Trembley himself has said he will come down harder on the players next year. - Steve
For what its worth, I always like hearing people make a point of respecting the game. Play the game the right way, work hard and have respect for the game. Because it is an overwhelming privilege to earn a living in such a beautiful sport. Datz just my two cents.
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I agree. I thought I was talking to Dave Trembley himself when he spoke in that manner. You can tell Datz appreciates the oppurtunites he has had in the game.
Steve