The Cubs will reportedly hire Anthony Iapoce as their new hitting coach. According to the Star-Telegram, Iapoce will leave the Texas Rangers for the Cubs to replace Chili Davis as the team’s new hitting coach.
The #Rangers already need a manager. Now, they also need a hitting coach. https://t.co/x9W0ZeO8dN
— Jeff Wilson (@JeffWilson_FWST) October 15, 2018
The Cubs are extremely familiar with Iapoce, who was an assistant to the GM for the Cubs, in charge of their minor-league hitting program. The Rangers made him their hitting coach after the 2015 season and now Iapoce is coming back to Chicago.
Can confirm Anthony Iapoce is cubs' new hitting coach. Jeff Wilson of Fort Worth Star-Telegram first to confirm.
— Mark Gonzales (@MDGonzales) October 15, 2018
And now the official announcement by the Cubs.
The #Cubs have named Anthony Iapoce as major league hitting coach. pic.twitter.com/czDNBq6r1Q
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) October 15, 2018
Via the Star-Telegram.
The Rangers posted the American League’s third-best average (.262) in Iapoce’s first season in 2016, scored the fourth-most runs (765) and the second-best average with runners in scoring position (.277).
But the average dropped sharply to 13th in 2017 (.244) and to 14th in 2018 (.240), though they scored 799 runs (fifth in AL) in 2017. Their 737 runs in 2018 ranked seventh. They batted .252 with runners in scoring position (10th) in 2017 and .243 (12th) this season.
He was with the Rangers last couple years but more importantly he was John Mallee's guy for years. A disciple for sure. Was Cubs minor league hitting coordinator from 2013-2015 https://t.co/NZUR1iNHsw
— Jesse Rogers (@ESPNChiCubs) October 15, 2018
All right, now back to hitting dingers, please. Thanks.
If Chili Davis didn’t discuss launch angle enough, new #Cubs Anthony Iapoce certainly will.#Rangers hitters placed 10th in MLB in Barrels/PA in 2018 at 4.7%. They placed 2nd in MLB in 2017 at 4.8%.
— Casey Boguslaw (@caseyboguslaw) October 15, 2018
