New York Yankees News: Jeff Pentland Out As Yankees Hitting Coach

The New York Yankees have decided not to bring back hitting coach Jeff Pentland. According to ESPN, the Yankees apparently decided that Pentland was responsible for their inability to score runs on a consistent basis this past season.

Although the Yankees improved in home runs, batting average and runs scored last season as compared to 2014, and placed second to the Toronto Blue Jays in runs scored, they suffered with runners in scoring position down the stretch.

“When I signed, I was told it was probably a one-year deal,” Pentland said according to ESPN. “That was always in the back of my mind, but we didn’t look too good the last month. It’s the Yankees, that’s the best way to describe it. I have no regrets.” [related category]

Pentland had extensive experience as a hitting coach before coming to the Yankees. That included stints with the Florida Marlins, Chicago Cubs, Kansas City Royals, Seattle Mariners and the Los Angeles Dodgers. Pentland was also given much of the credit for the development of short stop Didi Gregorius. After a slow start, Gregorius became one of the Yankees most improved hitters in the second half of the season.

Raul Ibanez, Dave Magadan and Marcus Thames were listed as possible replacements for Pentland. According to the report, Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman had not returned a call inquiring about the decision, but Pentland had been informed of the move last week.

An obvious alternative to replace Pentland would be Paul O´Neill. O´Neill is a Yankees fan favorite and put up excellent numbers as a player. But the report did not mention if he will also be included as a potential replacement.

The man that Pentland replaced, Kevin Long, is now with the Mets, who are currently squaring off with the Chicago Cubs in the National League playoffs.

Reportedly, Yankees bullpen coach Gary Tuck will also not be returning in 2016.