Cubs hire Manny Ramirez as hitting consultant

After the successful stint Manny Ramirez had with the organization in 2014, the Cubs announced Tuesday that he will back for another season – this time around as their hitting consultant according to the Chicago Tribune.

Ramirez was a player-coach at the Triple-A level last season in a move the surprised many at the time. His coaching ability has been credited for helping many hitting prospects last season.

Cubs President Theo Epstein said Ramirez received “rave reviews” from players as well as coaches.

"“He did a great job of fitting in, sharing his wisdom and experience and being very open and honest about what not to do from his past and lessons that he learned along the way,” – Epstein via Chicago Tribune."

With his success in Iowa last season, Ramirez will be helping mostly with the big club in Chicago, but he could occasionally take a trip to Des Moines to help some younger players.

It’s also worth noting that he has no plans to play this season at any level, as opposed to last year when he played in 24 games with the Iowa Cubs.

More from Cubbies Crib

• Cubs could again look to Japan to address a major offseason need
• Cubs need to walk the walk this winter after talking the talk
• Cubs, 2 superstar free agents-to-be have ‘mutual interest’
• Where’s the love for Cubs prospect Matt Mervis?
• Alec Mills shocked Cubs fans, baseball world with 2020 no-hitter

After the season wrapped, general manager Jed Hoyer acknowledged the relationship between Ramirez and prospect Javier Baez while speaking to CSN Chicago saying:

"“I know they had a really good relationship in Iowa, Javy played really well when Manny was there. I think having him as a mentor and a guy that can work with him is great.”"

The Cubs hope Ramirez can continue to help develop young hitters within the organization. If they want to contend for the division – as Epstein and first baseman Anthony Rizzo have said – Ramirez could end up playing a very important role in doing so.

"“He was a huge asset, and we were very hopeful about the possibility of bringing him back, and we were able to work something out.” – Epstein."

Not only will the 42-year-old slugger be able to continue to work with Baez, but he’ll be reunited with long-time teammate Kevin Youkilis. Youkilis was recently hired on as the special assistant to Theo Epstein – a job that was once held by veteran southpaw Ted Lilly.