Tigers fans, you'll have at least one more season to complain about Lloyd McClendon and Gene Lamont. Unlike the end of last season, when it was announced that Andy Van Slyke would not be coming back for the 2010 season, the band's back together for at least one more year in Tiger Town.
↵The team announced Thursday that all six coaches on Jim Leyland's staff will be retained for next season. The staff is made up of hitting coach McClendon, third base coach Lamont, first base coach Tom Brookens, pitching coach Rick Knapp, infield coach Rafael Belliard and bullpen coach Jeff Jones.
↵Other than the aforementioned departure of Van Slyke last season, Leyland's staff has been pretty stable. Hitting coach Don Slaught left after the 2006 season, and pitching coach Chuck Hernandez was let go in 2008.
↵Besides the fact that the Tigers manager apparently likes to keep the same crew around, MLB.com's Jason Beck points out that Leyland's contract status might also be a factor in not making any changes. Leyland has only one year remaining on his current deal. And barring an extension (which doesn't seem likely before next season), it might be difficult to attract quality coaches for what could be just a one-year stay.
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