chicago cubs logo featureRegardless of what happens with the Joe Maddon situation, it sounds like the Chicago Cubs may be looking for at least one coach now.

The Atlanta Braves have hired Jose Castro as their assistant hitting coach, snaking him from the Cubs. Castro, 56, had spent the last two years as the Cubs’ quality assurance coach, and has been a hitting instructor in the game at various levels for 25+ years. “Quality Assurance” is obviously a strange-looking title for a baseball coach, but the concept has been around for a half decade. The role varies from team to team, but it can include scouting and statistical duties, as well as traditional coaching instruction.

The Cubs could do some additional shifting on the coaching staff, or could just bring someone in from the outside. I doubt they do much too quickly, though, with the managerial situation potentially up in the air. Speaking of which, how’s this for a crazy coincidence: the man who pioneered the idea of having a quality assurance coach on staff? Yup, that’d be Joe Maddon.

