Updated – 7:18pm C.T. – According to Jon Heyman from SI.com, the Cubs have contacted Rudy Jaramillo and “it is believed he’s likely to take the gig“.
As first mentioned by the Sun-Times on October 6, Rudy Jaramillo is on the Cubs’ radar. Jaramillo announced he would not return to the Texas Rangers for his 16th season on Wednesday and several reports linked him to the Chicago Cubs soon after he announced his decision.
XM Radio’s Mike Ferrin reported the Cubs and Rays would try to land Rudy Jaramillo, who is “widely considered the best hitting coach in the game.” According to a report from MLB.com, the Rangers “wanted Rudy Jaramillo back as their hitting coach and offered him a contract for 2010“. Jaramillo is reportedly looking for more than the one-year deal offered by Texas and said he will weigh his options before making a decision.
MLB.com reported the Cubs interest and stated the Astros as one of the other teams interested in Jaramillo. Jon Heyman mentioned the Cubs interest in Jaramillo during one of his appearances on MLB Tonight (MLB Network) Wednesday night.
Rudy Jaramillo is under contract with the Rangers until October 31 but he will be given the opportunity to interview with other teams.
Jaramillo was Alfonso Soriano’s hitting coach in 2004 and 2005, as well as Milton Bradley’s in 2008 … and Mark DeRosa has credited Rudy Jaramillo with turning his career around during his time with the Rangers.
Stay Tuned …