Rangers make decisions on coaching staff

Sep 29, 2008 - 11:42 PM ARLINGTON, Texas (Ticker) -- The Texas Rangers made several decisions regarding their coaching staff for the 2009 season on Monday, electing to bring back hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo and first base coach Gary Pettis while parting ways with two others.

The Rangers, who finished second in the American League West Division with a 79-83 record this season, announced bench coach Art Howe and third base coach Matt Walbeck would not be offered contracts for 2009. Additionally, bullpen coach Jim Colborn will return to his former role of director of Pacific Rim operations, while pitching coach Andy Hawkins will be a candidate to return to Texas but would be offered the job of pitching coach for Class AAA Oklahoma if he does not secure a spot with the Rangers.

Jaramillo will be returning for his 15th season as Texas' hitting coach, tying him for the fourth-longest tenure as a coach with one major league team. This season, the Rangers led the majors in batting average (.283), runs (901) and extra-base hits (605) under Jaramillo while setting an MLB record with 376 doubles.

Also the team's outfield and baserunning instructor, Pettis will be back for his third season with Texas. The Rangers were third-best in the AL with a 76.4 percent success rate in stolen bases in 2008.