The Washington Nationals are hiring Kevin Long to be their next hitting coach according to Chelsea Janes of the Washington Post. Long replaces Rick Schu who had been the Nats hitting coach for the past five seasons.
Long interviewed for the Nationals and Mets managerial jobs before they hired Dave Martinez and Mickey Callaway respectively.
The Mets have reportedly promoted Pat Roessler from assistant hitting coach to hitting coach to replace Long on their staff. Long served as the Mets hitting coach for three seasons.
Original Post – Nov. 1
The Washington Nationals ultimately chose former Cubs bench coach Dave Martinez to manage the team going forward after the dismissal of Dusty Baker.
Kevin Long, the Mets hitting coach the last three seasons, interviewed for the job of manager, but is still in the mix for the Nats hitting coach opening, according to Jorge Castillo of The Washington Post.
Long, 50, was considered as a front runner in the Mets own managerial search before the team decided on Mickey Callaway instead.
The former minor leaguer and long-time coach’s contract with the Mets expired yesterday, Oct. 31. The crosstown rival New York Yankees are still in search of a manager as well. Long, who served as their hitting coach from 2007-14, figures to at least be linked to that opening one way or another.
After the Mets chose Callaway to mind the store, general manager Sandy Alderson reiterated he would like Long to return next year, but the spurned hitting coach might choose for a fresh start somewhere else.
