Showalter sees Coolbaugh as "a very good fit"

Orioles manager Buck Showalter targeted Scott Coolbaugh early in the process of interviewing for a new hitting coach. Once the Rangers granted permission yesterday, the decision practically was made.

Coolbaugh sealed the deal after sitting down today with Showalter and vice president of baseball operations Brady Anderson. He walked away already having the job, and the Orioles made the announcement around 6 p.m.

"He's very dependable," Showalter said. "He's got a pure heart and he's not a self-promoter. I haven't worked with him, but I know some of the people who have. I don't think I've interviewed somebody who had more positive feedback from people you ask about him."

The list includes first baseman Chris Davis, who worked with Coolbaugh in the Rangers organization.

"Chris thinks he hung the moon," Showalter said.

Coolbaugh replaces Jim Presley, who was reassigned, and completes the 2015 coaching staff. No other changes were made.

"He's not going to blow his own horn," Showalter said. "He's been very instrumental in a lot of players' development. He works within a player's skills. I think he'll be a very good fit for who we are and who we're trying to be.

"He's very understated. He won't look to be interviewed after a guy goes 4-for-4, but he'll be very easy to find after a guy goes 0-for-4. You'll have to find him in the cage. Nobody works harder than Scott Coolbaugh.

"He's a solid man. Wayne Kirby thinks he's the best thing since refried beans. He's a great communicator. He's got a lot of Jimmy's attributes. The last piece was getting him in front of Brady, and Brady was very impressed."

The Orioles conducted formal interviews with four candidates but reached out to about 15 others. Coolbaugh rose to the top after Charlie Manuel declined an offer and remained in the Phillies front office.

"Everybody said if they were going to do it, they'd do it in Baltimore. That was encouraging," Showalter said.

"I think this guy will be a good fit for everybody because he'll work within their skill set. I know his wife is pretty excited. Chris Davis has already texted me. Darren O'Day, Tommy Hunter, a lot of guys.

"I don't think there was a more experienced candidate needed to do the job properly. And I like a guy who doesn't have to show you how smart he is in a two-minute conversation."

Note: The Orioles were hoping to re-sign catcher Nick Hundley, but he's received a two-year offer from another team and apparently won't be returning to Baltimore.

The Orioles want to improve their catching depth in case Matt Wieters isn't ready on opening day.