John Schneider Promoted by Toronto Blue Jays

Charlie Montoyo, the new manager of the Toronto blue jays poses with Ross Atkins, general manager and Mark Shapiro club president during the clubs press conference on Tuesday at Rogers Centre

The Toronto Blue Jays announced yesterday they have chosen to promote John Schneider to further strengthen the staff that support Charlie Montoyo. Schneider was awarded the double-A Eastern League’s manager of the year and will now take on the role of major-league coach with a focus towards the development of the Jay’s catchers.

The addition of John Schneider was part of a larger announcement relating to the coaching staff and brings an end to a turnover that existed while John Gibbons was with the franchise. Only third base coach Luis Rivera and pitching coach Pete Walker will be retaining their positions. Bullpen coach Dane Johnson, first base coach Tim Leiper and hitting coach Brook Jacoby have all been released.

DeMarlo Hale, who holds the bench coach position is exploring other opportunities but it has been stated that his position will continue should he elect to remain with the Blue Jays. It was also announced that Mike Mordecai, the quality control coach will most likely be reassigned to another position with the organization.

In 2027 Schneider coached the single-A Dunedin to a Florida State League title, last year, helped the double-A New Hampshire win the championship. Schneider will join Guillermo Martinez, who will act as the new hitting coach.

The changes see coaches coming in from a wide assortment of teams. Charlie Montoyo previously was with the Tampa Bay Rays, first base coach Mike Budzinski was with the Cleveland Indians, bench coach Dave Hudgens the Houston Astros, major-league field co-ordinator Shelley Duncan the Arizona Diamondbacks and bullpen coach Matt Buschmann the San Francisco Giants.

Schneider, who was a catcher with the Jays triple-A Syracuse. Team for six years has been involved with the Blue Jays since 2008 in a coaching role. At the age of 38, he has helped to manage a large number of the clubs younger prospects and catchers. His success has s included Ryan Borucki, Sean-Reid Foley, Danny Jansen, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette and Cavan Biggio.

Many of those that are moving onto roles in the big leagues will find his style helps with the transitioning. Guillermo Martinez, who joined the franchise in 2012-2013, also will help in that transitioning process, albeit to a lesser degree. Martinez left the Blue Jays for the Chicago Cubs but returned this year and will act as the hitting co-ordinator.

To assist Martinez is Dave Hudgens, an experienced hitting coach who will complement the lesser experienced Martinez. Luis Rivera and Pete Walker, who are returning for their seventh season with the club will take on the roles of providing assistance to returning players as well as work within their coaching responsibilities.

Shelley Duncan role with the club is a new position and is replacing the quality control position that was in place for the previous two seasons. The role itself wasn’t explained during the clubs press, but it is expected that it will focus towards the liaison between the front office and the clubhouse, include advanced planning as well as other duties as needed.

Author Noah is our American writer who likes to give his own spin on everything Golf & the NHL he covers mainly the US side of the game as Doug covers the Canada. In his time off he can usually be taking to the greens or on the ice playing some hockey