Hitting coach brings analytics, not experience
The Dodgers plan to hire Arizona Diamondbacks hitting strategist Robert Van Scoyoc as their hitting coach, according to a person with knowledge of the situation. Van Scoyoc would replace Turner Ward, who left this month to become the Cincinnati Reds’ hitting coach.
Van Scoyoc, 32, has never been a traditional coach for a professional team. His job with the Diamondbacks was to supply position players personalized, number-driven game plans on how to attack pitchers. He also provided minor and major leaguers help with mechanics.
A Los Angeles native, Van Scoyoc spent two years as a hitting consultant for the Dodgers before joining Arizona. He is credited with helping several players across the majors revamp their swings, including Dodger Chris Taylor.
The Dodgers also plan to hire Dino Ebel as their third base coach. Ebel spent the last 14 seasons on the Angels’ staff under manager Mike Scioscia. He was the club’s third base coach for nine seasons. Ebel spent 17 seasons in the Dodgers’ organization — six as a player before becoming a coach and manager — before joining the Angels.
Jansen recovering
Kenley Jansen underwent his heart procedure to treat atrial fibrillation Monday in Los Angeles. The club announced it “went as expected and Jansen is resting comfortably in the hospital.”
“We’ll see you guys soon,” Jansen said in a video on Twitter. “2019, stronger than ever.”
Jansen, 31, has known he would need the operation since August, when he encountered a second episode of atrial fibrillation — irregular heartbeats — six years after his first experience. The procedure is intended to scar or destroy tissue in the heart that is allowing an abnormal heart rhythm.
Jansen’s recovery period is anywhere from a couple weeks to a couple months, but the Dodgers expect him to be ready for spring training.
Playoff shares
The Dodgers were awarded more than $21 million in playoff shares. The team issued 67 full shares — valued at $262,027.49 each — plus 13.29 partial shares and 24 cash awards.