Presley to be named hitting coach

The Orioles aren't ready to announce their coaching staff, but Jim Presley is set to replace Terry Crowley as hitting coach. An industry source said it's a done deal, though Presley has received offers from "two or three clubs." This news coincides with an early report from MLB.com. Manager Buck Showalter, driving back to Baltimore from the ESPN studios in Bristol, Conn., would only confirm that Presley is among "two or three guys" on the final list. Crowley has offered his input. "He certainly made the final small group," Showalter said. Showalter will meet with president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail tomorrow, and again at next week's organizational meetings in Scottsdale, Az. Showalter said the Orioles are getting "pretty close" to finalizing the staff. "Some of the people we're talking about are currently being considered for jobs that are higher up than what we're offering," Showalter said. "A couple are looking at managing jobs. That's what has kind of slowed the process down." According to the source, Presley is in the fold. "I know that Jim was in demand by some clubs. I know he had some offers," Showalter said. "I'm just kind of flattered that he's considering us. We'll see." Presley, who was Showalter's hitting coach with the Diamondbacks, is taking part in a baseball clinic in Italy. He was fired as the Marlins' hitting coach in June, along with manager Fredi Gonzalez and bench coach Carlos Tosca. You can check out his playing stats here.