An official announcement won't be made until after the conclusion of the World Series, but a source with knowledge of the decision confirmed Listach's departure.
Listach has close ties both to the Cubs organization (he served as a manager in their minor-league system from 2006-08) and to new Chicago manager Mike Quade (who preceded him as skipper at Class AAA Iowa). The 43-year-old former AL Rookie of the Year now will function as Quade's right-hand man in the dugout at Wrigley Field.
Listach has aspirations of becoming a major-league manager and interviewed for the Brewers' vacant position last month. He's currently managing a Puerto Rican winter league team that features a roster including Nats prospects Danny Espinosa and Chris Marrero.
The Nationals will begin searching for what will be their fifth third base coach in seven years. Listach followed Dave Huppert (2005), Tony Beasley (2006) and Tim Tolman (2007-08).
If Jim Riggleman and Mike Rizzo choose to remain inside the organization, Class AAA manager Trent Jewett has prior experience as the Pittsburgh Pirates' third base coach from 2000-02. Riggleman and Rizzo are expected to consider outside candidates as well.
12 comments:
No loss. Listach was way too conservative as third base coach and held runners too often. If its two outs and a light hitting pitcher coming up next, TAKE THE CHANCE!!!
All I kept reading was how much Listach wanted to be Cubs manager. I hope they get a 3b coach who wants to be the Nats 3b coach.
Brewers manager, hence the interview, not Cubs. Although I'm sure he'd be happy with the Cubs job had it been offered, which it wasn't. And who wouldn't rather manage than coach, if they are still coming up, or trying to, in their career?
Sec3 -- all last summer Listach kept saying that he wanted to be the Cubs manager, not the Brewers. Go to Ladson's archives as see for yourself. Particularly around the time that Pinella announced it was his last year and then left early. Listach wasn't given a Cubs interview, yes, I know, but that doesn't mean that there weren't several stories throughout last year where he was lobbying for the Cubs job.
Most would rather manage than coach. They just don't keep repeating to the press they're looking to move to another team.
Ray, I think all coaches(for the most part) have aspirations to be a manager. So yes most of them are using the coaching position as a stepping stone and bench coach is an upgrade from 3rd base.
I for one will miss Listach. I respected him a lot for getting into that brawl with the marlins in order to protect Morgan. Who replaces him? Rick Eckstein served for him during his suspension, does he get the job?
raymitten, I'm with you. Pat "hold 'em up" Listach was one of the WORST 3rd base coaches I've seen in many years. The guy we just chased out of the organization, Tim Foli, would be an excellent replacement in my view.
Perhaps Listach can do us a favor and take Riggleman with him. We could only be so lucky!!
We could bring back Tim "Green Light" Tolman.
Stand Pat Listach was significantly better than his predecessor, Tim Tolman. I have always thought Tony Beasley was our best third base coach.
Third Base coaches are usually the most visible 'whipping boy' on the staff, outside of the Manager. I'm glad he's getting an opportunity to move up with the Cubs, and wish him well. His replacement will come in good time, hopefully with the thick skin required for the job.
Biscuit: Beasley might have looked the best simply because he inherited the slowest team afoot (outside of Soriano).
I'm with Evan on the Listach dive into the brawl. I gotta say, that was pretty awesome, particularly in one who is, uh, somewhat chronologically challenged (though not as much as I am). :-)
Hondo69: I personally think Foli had his eyes on a bench coach / Manager tract; When Riggleman was renewed, he opted out of the Nationals organization to look for new opportunities. Maybe he'll get that chance with Alderson & the Mets; Maybe not.
I think the crossing guard in my neighborhood would be an excellent replacement for Stand Pat Listach. She can hold up traffic as well as Pat. I think Listach is a nice guy; I just don't think he can judge throws from the outfield worth a whit.
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