Apparently the Rangers have hired Red Sox hitting coach Dave Madagan. I haven't seen any details yet, but I'm assuming he would occupy the same or similar role with the Rangers.

Thoughts?

He is the new hitting coach, so that should be interesting. Coolbaugh has been around the Rangers for a while, so I wonder if he was fired or is getting sent back to the minors.

I heard that "Scott Coolbaugh will be re-assigned within the organization"...sounds like AA or AAA to me.

Coolbaugh is a good developmental coach (physical side). He's not a great game-situation coach (mental side). At least thats my 2 cents.

This may be over-simplifying it, but I've been longing for someone to convince Ian Kinsler to get away from using that uppercut swing. I don't think it'll ever happen, but one can hope, right?

He is over 30, and he has been a 30/30 man twice with that swing, so you won't get that.

Whether fair or not, I think this had to happen. A shake up was needed. The offense really underperformed expectations in 2012. 105 wRC+ in 2012 compared to 112 wRC+ in 2011. And that discrepancy doesn't even tell the whole story b/c in 2011, Hamilton, Napoli, Cruz, and Beltre spent significant time on the DL and Moreland played with a broken wrist. In 2012, the offense was basically healthy most of the year. You would've expected a wRC+ of 112+, in which case the Rangers probably would've won 100 games.

Looking at the mlb.com article, it appears that Magadan preaches discipline. I'm sold!

The Red Sox under Madagan have been known for featuring a lineup full of guys who worked the count. I don't see a coach waving some magic dust around and turning Texas hitters patient, but this is a step in the right direction.

Good, maybe we won't need to use the OBP dog anymore

From all I know about him, Madagan is one of the best at teaching patience, situational hitting, and discipline. Our guys didn't respond to the best hitting coach (Rudy) when he was here, who I believe is known to be the same way. I hope this season has given them the humility to learn from a fresh voice preaching the same thing. But on the surface, I couldn't imagine the front office getting a better hire to fit our current needs than this guy. JD ninja strikes again!

Considering what he did in Boston with Ellsbury and Pedroia, I can't help but wonder if this isn't just a way to make Coolbaugh a bit of a scapegoat, but also a signal that the organization has a commitment to get younger. Most of us believe that Hamilton will be gone, but maybe it's an indicator that Cruz and Young are on the hot seat as well. It's pretty hard to develop young talent at the big league level with aged veterans blocking the way.

I was opposed to getting rid of Coolbaugh, but I don't consider this hiring to be of the knee-jerk variety. Magadan is a pretty hot coaching name right now and was even under consideration for some manager gigs last offseason. It appears to me this is simply a situation where the guy the Rangers are bringing in is a clear upgrade, rather than Coolbaugh being the scapegoat.

Good points all, especially eric. Here's hoping Magadan has a good impact.

This move may also give the rangers someone to go to if and when Ron gets the boot.