Bob Geren will be the Dodgers' next bench coach
New York Mets third baseman David Wright, right, jokes with bench coach Bob Geren during a workout on Oct. 24.
(Julie Jacobson / Associated Press)
Former Oakland Athletics manager Bob Geren will be the Dodgers' new bench coach, according to a person familiar with the situation who spoke under the condition of anonymity because the hiring hasn't been announced.
Geren, who was the bench coach of the New York Mets for the last four seasons, will offer an experienced voice to guide first-year manager Dave Roberts.
Geren was one of nine candidates the Dodgers interviewed last month for the managerial position. He provides the kind of background that president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said he wanted in a bench coach.
Speaking at Roberts' introductory news conference Tuesday, Friedman said, "I think ideally it's somebody that has experience, whether it's managing, which would be ideal, or extensive bench coaching experience. I think that would be helpful in the process. Dave feels the same way."
Geren was the manager of the Athletics from 2007 through 2011. He was there at the same time as Farhan Zaidi, who is now the general manager of the Dodgers.
Friedman said he would like for Roberts' coaching staff to be in place by next week.
Farm director Gabe Kapler, a finalist for the managerial post, could be part of that group. Pitching coach Rick Honeycutt is expected to be the only holdover from Don Mattingly's staff.