Yankees nearing decision on hitting coach

The New York Yankees could have a new hitting coach in place by the time the World Series begins Tuesday in Kansas City, according to George A. King III of the New York Post.

The club interviewed several candidates this week to replace Kevin Long, who was fired after the Yankees missed the playoffs for a second successive season while averaging 3.91 runs per game, tying them for the third-worst mark in the American League. Thus far, the Yankees have spoken with Chili Davis and Dave Magadan (among others) about the vacant position, and a decision should come within the next few days.

“I interviewed Wednesday in New York with the Yankees," said Magadan, who spent 16 years in the major leagues between seven different teams. "They told me they were going to interview a couple of other candidates. I don’t know if that was going to happen Thursday or Friday. They said they would make a decision shortly thereafter."

Though Magadan remains under contract with the Texas Rangers, the front office gave their entire coaching staff permission to interview with other clubs after manager Ron Washington abruptly resigned in September.