ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — The Texas Rangers are flip-flopping their base coaches, moving Gary Pettis to third and Dave Anderson to first.
Manager Ron Washington believes Pettis’ base-running prowess as a player will allow him to react more quickly and possibly take more chances, allowing the Rangers to potentially score more runs. Pettis, who had 354 stolen bases in 14 major league seasons, has been the first-base coach the past six seasons.
Anderson has been the third-base coach the past four seasons. Washington said Thursday that the switch isn’t a demotion for Anderson.
The only personnel change on Washington’s staff going into next season is Dave Magadan replacing Scott Coolbaugh as hitting coach. That move was made last month after the Rangers lost in the AL wild card game.
