D-backs re-sign coaching staff

D-backs re-sign coaching staff
Melvin's 2007 crew will return intact next season
By Steve Gilbert / MLB.com

PHOENIX -- The D-backs entire coaching staff will return for the 2008 season, the club announced late Friday afternoon.

First-base coach Lee Tinsley, bullpen coach Glenn Sherlock and third-base coach Chip Hale each signed one-year contracts. Bench coach Kirk Gibson and hitting coach Rick Schu were already under contract for 2008 and as reported last week, pitching coach Bryan Price's option for next season has been exercised.

The D-backs won a National League-best 90 games in 2007 with a roster that was loaded with young position players. The youth of the team made the contribution of the coaching staff that much more important.

"For me, it's a slam dunk," Melvin said of the decision to bring the entire staff back. "This staff has probably had as much influence on a team as any group I've ever been around. They all worked extremely hard, and I think you saw the results as the year went on."

In addition, the D-backs also named Mack Hayashi to the position of director of Pacific Rim operations.