SEATTLE -- The Mariners’ paramount priority this offseason has been to upgrade their offense, and they believe one of their newest acquisitions will be among the most vital keys to doing so.
That’d be new bench coach and offensive coordinator Brant Brown, who rejoins the organization following stops with the Dodgers and Marlins, where he was a hitting coach on those club’s Major League staffs. Prior to that, he spent 2013-17 as Seattle’s Minor League field coordinator.
Brown will lend an ear to manager Scott Servais for strategic purposes and will complement hitting coach Jarret DeHart with players -- specifically with pregame approach and in-game adjustments.
The Mariners’ newest addition to the coaching staff recently chatted with MLB.com about the role.
MLB.com: What goes into the hybrid position you’re fulfilling?
Brown: “As a hitting coach, you're used to knowing the strengths and weaknesses of your own hitters, and the strengths and weaknesses of the pitchers that might be coming in, bullpen-wise or starter-wise, and be able to provide the manager with maybe some suggestions on a lineup or a pinch-hit situation. That part, I've been doing for years.
“But I think it's more just about the communication and kind of knowing where your needs are on that day, and understanding that it might change each and every day. So I think coming out of the gate, it'll be making sure that our hitters are ready and have a good plan to take into the game to win that game. And then on the flip side, just communicating with Scott, kind of understanding how we're going to run the game.”