The Dodgers plan on hiring 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.
