Magadan Leaves Sox For Rangers

Magadan Texas two-steps out of Boston. Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-US PRESSWIRE

Multiple media sources (WEEI, ESPN, The Boston Herald) have reported that Dave Magadan, Red Sox hitting coach since 2007, is leaving the Red Sox to become the hitting coach for the Texas Rangers. Magadan was the only candidate for the Rangers job. The Rangers said that if Magadan had not taken the job they would have stuck with their 2012 hitting coach, Scott Coolbaugh. It’s likely that Coolbaugh will take another position with the Rangers.

The move comes as a bit of a surprise. The Rangers led the majors in runs scored and many other offensive categories but had trouble getting runners over and in down the stretch, contributing to a collapse that allowed the Oakland As to catch and eventually overtake them for the AL West division title.

"A change was not necessarily warranted but may have been precipitated by Coolbaugh’s desire to move on in the Ranger organization. Magadan, 50, may have also been motivated by a previous relationship with Rangers managers Ron Washington, who coached Magadan as a player when the two were in Oakland."

The Red Sox held a club option on Magadan’s contract next year but nevertheless allowed him to speak with the Rangers.

In a year already promising to be filled with roster changes, the Red Sox now find themselves in search of not only a new manager but a hitting coach as well.

And it seems such a waste of time
If that’s what it’s all about
Mama if that’s movin up then I’m movin out
– I’m Movin’ Out, Billy Joel