Aug. 31, 2012; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins pitching coach Randy St. Claire (center) talks with relief pitcher Wade LeBlanc (left) and catcher Rob Brantly (right) during the eighth inning against the New York Mets at Marlins Park. The Mets won 3-0. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
On Monday the Toronto Blue Jays filled two organizational openings within the organization, naming Gary Allenson the new manager of the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons and appointing Randy St. Claire as the Bisons’ new pitching coach. The pair will replace Marty Brown and Bob Stanley respectively, according to Brendan Kennedy of The Star.
Gary Allenson spent the 2013 season as the coach of New Hampshire Fisher Cats, guiding Toronto’s Double-A affiliate to a 68-72 record last season. Prior to that, he served stints in both the Rangers, Astros, Brewers, Marlins Red Sox, and Yankees organizations, including a short-lived interim assignment as the Orioles third base coach in 2010.
And of course, his 2011 return to the Norfolk Tides rewarded us with this beauty of an ejection.
Former Major League pitcher Randy St. Claire has some Canadian connection, having pitched five seasons in Montreal and finishing his career with the Blue Jays in 1994. St. Claire has his fair share of experience as a pitching coach, having served in the role at the Major League level with the Marlins (2010-2012) and Nationals (2002-2009). He most recent experience was as pitching coach of the Triple-A Las Vegas 51’s in 2013, one year after the team went from a Blue Jays affiliate to a Mets affiliate.
These moves will of course leave one opening in the Blue Jays system, now needing a new manager to replace Allenson in New Hampshire.
UPDATE:
Bobby Meacham has been named the manager at Double-A New Hampshire, as per Shi Davidi. From 2009 through 2012, Meacham served as the first base for the Houston Astros. He has also served as a first and third base coaches with the Yankees and Padres. He spent the 2013 season as the manager of the Dunedin Blue Jays. Jose Mateo will take over the duties in Dunedin.