Davidi: Blue Jays to hire Tim Leiper as first base coach

Aug 5, 2013; Seattle, WA, USA; Toronto Blue Jays first base coach Dwayne Murphy during the game against Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field. The Blue Jays defeated the Mariners 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

According to Shi Davidi of Sportsnet, the Blue Jays have ended their search for a first base coach and will name Tim Leiper as successor to the recently retired Dwayne Murphy. Davidi notes that Leiper was already working within the Blue Jays organization and served in a senior advisor role within player development last season.

The former minor league player transitioned to coaching after his playing days ends in 1996 and advanced to a minor league managing role with the Montreal Expos in 2000. He spent three years with the Expos and had short stints for Boston and Baltimore affiliates before spending four years leading the Pittsburgh Pirates’ Double-A squad. He then moved on to the Miami Marlins where he also served as an infield coordinator, according to Davidi.

Leiper was born in California but has formerly lived in Ottawa and served with Baseball Canada four consecutive years from 2003 to 2006.

Davidi also mentions that the Blue Jays have discussed adding another coach to the staff but stressed no firm decisions have been made.