It’s only right and fair that, when a coach (or executive) heads off for a big promotion in a new city, he should be permitted to take at least one familiar confidant with him for a promotion of his own.
But it can sting to lose two quality voices in one fell swoop:
Tim Cossins is leaving the Cubs organization to join Brandon Hyde's coaching staff in Baltimore, sources told The Athletic. Cossins has been a key behind-the-scenes figure for the Cubs in player development as the minor-league field/catching coordinator.
— Patrick Mooney (@PJ_Mooney) December 27, 2018
As Patrick Mooney notes, Tim Cossins has been an important part of the Cubs’ player development structure for several years now. He came over six years ago from the Marlins organization (where Brandon Hyde spent some of his own formative years), and is one of those guys whose name you hear from time to time as an important voice in the process.
For example, from the Cubs’ former assistant hitting coach (who departed to become the Brewers’ hitting coach):
Tim Cossins … The man behind the curtain for the @Cubs . #makesitallhappen https://t.co/p8fB0U3Bvj
— Andy Haines (@ahaines19) January 7, 2018
I can’t make it more precise for you than to say that this is a deserved promotion for Cossins, but another stinging loss for the Cubs. They’ll just have to keep grinding to find new, quality people to get into the player development pipeline.
Oh, and the Cubs still need to replace their bench coach, since Hyde departed to become the Orioles manager. That, after already having replaced their hitting coach (Chili Davis –> Anthony Iapoce) and pitching coach (Jim Hickey –> Tommy Hottovy). Also, we haven’t yet gotten official word on who will be taking Hottovy’s important strategic role now that he’s the pitching coach.
Yowsa. So much turnover. I’m reminded of the front office’s challenge to Joe Maddon to become a little more hands on this year … it might be a matter of necessity at this point.