Today, the Chicago Cubs made one move on the coaching staff side of things, adding former Cub Henry Blanco as the team’s new quality assurance coach under manager Joe Maddon, according to multiple reports. Former quality assurance coach Jose Castro left for the Braves last month.
Blanco, 43, just finished up his playing days last year, and was a coach on the Diamondbacks’ staff. He was a back-up catcher on the Cubs from 2005 to 2008, and will presumably be able to help out on the catching-coaching side of things, in addition to the amorphous duties of quality assurance. Blanco – Hank White, to some – was something of a fan favorite in his playing days, so I expect his addition will be greeted warmly.
Technically, Blanco’s addition fills the only opening on the Cubs’ coaching staff, though other changes remain possible. We’ll see when the Cubs announce the final coaching staff.