Gene Lamont named Tigers bench coach

The Detroit Tigers shook up their coaching staff Tuesday afternoon, announcing a series of changes that will see three coaches in new roles, including third base coach Gene Lamont. He'll become the new bench coach under manager Jim Leyland, with Tom Brookens moving from first base to replace Lamont as third base coach.

While some may wonder if Leyland's moves are due to questionable decision-making at third base by Lamont, he insisted to reporters Wednesday that he simply wants to try someone younger at the position. Lamont has been one of Leyland's most trusted coaches since he was hired by the Tigers in 2006.

The Tigers also announced that infield coach Rafael Belliard will take over as first base coach at first. Belliard has never coached a base before, but he's worked as a fill-in when Lamont has been ejected from games in the past.

Brookens served as his own base coach while working as a manager in the minor leagues, so he has substantial experience working the role he'll now be filling.