Willie Randolph 'Disappointed' He's Not Part Of Yankees' Coaching Staff
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) — The Yankees' coaching staff appears to be set, and Willie Randolph is not on it.
Jeff Pentland has been hired to replace Kevin Long as the Yankees' hitting coach, and Joe Espada will take over as third base coach.
Rob Thomson moves from third base to bench coach in place of Tony Pena, who shifts to first base and takes over from Mick Kelleher.
"I was disappointed because I wanted that opportunity to come back to the team that I love and help them get back to a world championship, like I've always done," Randolph told ESPN.com. "Anytime you put your name in the pot for a job like this, you hope that you get it. So when it doesn't happen, you are a little disappointed."
According to the website, the former Yankees player and coach and Mets manager reached out to general manager Brian Cashman for an interview.
"I'm always doing my due diligence," Randolph told ESPN.com. "I'm always trying to make everyone aware that I would like another opportunity (to get) back in the game that I love."
Kelleher was fired in October along with Long after the Yankees failed to make the playoffs for the second straight season. Thomson also was bench coach in 2008.
Long was hired by the Mets.
The Yankees also said Monday that Alan Cockrell has been hired to the new position of assistant hitting coach.
Larry Rothschild (pitching) and Gary Tuck (bullpen) remain in place from Joe Girardi's 2013 staff.
The 68-year-old Pentland was hitting coordinator last year in Miami's player development system. He has been hitting coach for the Marlins (1996), Cubs (1997-02), Royals (2003-05), Mariners (2006-08) and Dodgers (2008-11).
Espada was the Marlins' third base coach from 2010-13.
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