Elephant Rumblings: Stephen Vogt takes coaching job with Mariners

MLB news roundup

Happy Wednesday, Athletics Nation!

Former fan favorite Athletics catcher Stephen Vogt retired at the end of the 2022 season, but he was widely expected to remain in baseball—perhaps as a broadcast analyst or coach. Vogt wasted no time living up to expectations, as he has been hired by the Mariners as bullpen and quality-control coach. The Mariners announced the move on Tuesday, according to John Shea at the San Francisco Chronicle.

Vogt was a guest analyst for MLB Network during the 2022 postseason, but now he’ll pivot to a coaching role. Shea also mentioned that Stephen is considered a strong candidate to manage a team in the future.

Vogt spent most of his ten-year big league career with the A’s, who he represented in both of his All-Star appearances in 2015 and 2016. Those were both tough seasons for the A’s, but Vogt’s leadership and fighting spirit buoyed the spirits of A’s fans, who began chanting “We believe in Stephen Vogt” when he caught fire at the plate for a spell during Oakland’s ultimately ill-fated 2014 season.

The A’s designated Vogt for assignment during the 2017 season and the Brewers claimed him off waivers, but he found his way back to Oakland for his final season, lending his veteran presence to the clubhouse during the first season of the current rebuild cycle.

Vogt’s last at bat was a highlight of the 2022 season and a fitting end to the career of a fan favorite who came through in the clutch time and again over the years. If you’re having a bad day, just watch this half a dozen times. You’re welcome.

Congrats on your first coaching gig, Stephen! I never doubted you for a moment.

A’s Coverage:

• Ravani: Oakland fails to get key federal funding for A’s Howard Terminal ballpark in blow to project ($)
• Shea: Mariners believe in Stephen Vogt, hire ex-A’s, Giants catcher as coach ($)
• Stebbins: MLB showers ex-A’s closer Hendriks in support after diagnosis

MLB News & Interest:

• The Athletic: Carlos Correa agrees to 6-year deal to return to Twins after Mets contract falls through: Source ($)
• Sammon: Mets’ Carlos Correa saga reaches an unfulfilling conclusion ($)
• The Athletic: Baseball Hall of Fame ballots 2023: The Athletic’s voters reveal their selections ($)
• Drellich: Minor-league owners fear MLB will pass on heavy bill after collective bargaining ($)
• Deeds and Adams: Marlins To Sign Johnny Cueto
• Franco: Blue Jays Sign Brandon Belt
• Shea: Dodgers’ decisive call on Trevor Bauer a contrast to Giants’ frustrating winter ($)
• Adams: MLB Lifts Ban On Former Braves GM John Coppolella
• McDonald: Trevor Story Underwent Internal Brace Surgery On Right Elbow
• Adams: Don Mattingly Named Advisor To Nashville Stars Baseball Group
• Today in Baseball History

Best of Twitter:

A series..

..of dispiriting..

tweets.

Now who’s ready for A’s Spirit Week?!

Trevor May once managed Mark Kotsay..in a video game.

A’s linked to a once-top prospect.

raises hand

Correa’s payout schedule.

One of my favorite non-A’s baseball moments in recent years.