Orioles reassign hitting coach Jim Presley

By Roch Kubatko

Orioles

November 24, 2014, 7:19am

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So much for the Orioles returning all of their coaches in 2015.

Though the entire staff is under contract, the Orioles have reassigned hitting coach Jim Presley within the organization at his request and will begin interviewing candidates this week, according to multiple sources.

Presley's reassignment is due to personal reasons, according to sources, and not related to the club's performance. He could get involved in scouting.

The Orioles hired Presley, 53, as hitting coach in 2011 after he spent five seasons in the same role with the Marlins. He has one year remaining on his contract.

No changes were anticipated on the staff and manager Buck Showalter told reporters that all of his coaches would return. However, the situation has changed and the Orioles need a replacement for Presley.

One internal candidates is Jeff Manto, former White Sox hitting coach who currently serves as the Orioles' minor league hitting coordinator. It's believed that B.J. Surhoff, a part-time instructor, isn't interested in being a full-time coach.

Showalter is flying into Baltimore to take part in the interview process. Last year, the Orioles hired Dave Wallace as pitching coach and Dom Chiti as bullpen coach.

The Orioles again led the majors in home runs this season with 211 and ranked sixth in the American League with a .256 average. Their .311 on-base percentage ranked 17th in the majors and 11th in the league.

The Sun first reported that Presley was reassigned.