MESA, Ariz. — The delayed start to Spring Training is not stopping Mark Kotsay from laying the groundwork in preparation for what will be his first season as manager of the A’s.
With Major League Baseball’s ongoing lockout, Kotsay is limited in what he can do right now. Contact with players on Oakland’s 40-man roster is prohibited. However, the first-year skipper is communicating with his coaching staff, holding weekly meetings to stay up to date regarding all happenings with the team.
“We’re just staying connected via video,” said Kotsay. “From a coaching standpoint, staying engaged in that arena. Mostly preparing for when we do get the opportunity to get on the field with the guys that we are ready to go.”
It’s not the most ideal situation for Kotsay, who succeeds former longtime A’s skipper Bob Melvin as one of four new managerial hires in MLB this offseason. In the case of Kotsay, though, there is at least some familiarity in that he spent the previous six seasons working on Oakland’s coaching staff. That should help expedite the adjustment period once he is able to reconvene with his players.
“I do think the existing relationships I currently have in this organization help the process,” Kotsay said. “It gives you a little bit of a head start on other first-year managers that are coming in new. But still, there’s a lot of relationship-building that’s important to do that we’re not able to do right now. When we are [able to], we’ll dive right in.”
Relationship-building within the coaching staff is also key as three new faces were hired to work under Kotsay this offseason. Former Tigers and Angels manager Brad Ausmus was brought on as bench coach, while Tommy Everidge and Chris Cron join the A’s as hitting coach and assistant hitting coach, respectively.
On Monday, Kotsay was on hand at Fitch Park in Mesa to observe the first full day of A’s Minor League Spring Training. He was joined by Everidge and Cron, as well as general manager David Forst and a handful of other A’s front-office members.
“Tommy has been working his way to the Major League level,” said Kotsay. “We’re excited to have him on the staff and give him this opportunity to get his role at the Major League level started. Chris Cron has a ton of information and experience. I’m excited about the group we have.”
As for Ausmus, Kotsay’s relationship with the former 18-year big league catcher dates to their playing days. The two have since developed a friendship outside of baseball over the past few years, making their connection with the A’s a seamless fit.
“He’s a good sounding board,” Kotsay said of Ausmus. “We kind of tease back and forth as to when I’m going to say no to him. But it’s good. His managerial experience. Being this is my first time managing, it’s always viewed as a bonus to have someone that has sat in this seat.”
Kotsay plans to continue utilizing the resources that are available to him. He’ll continue to use this time to familiarize himself even more with the newer coaches and formulate day-to-day plans. That way, no time is wasted once players return for camp.
“Just staying patient,” said Kotsay. “You want to be prepared and have a plan in place. Being engaged with the coaching staff and continuing to communicate through this time is important.”