The Atlanta Braves hire Kevin Seitzer to be the new hitting coach. Greg Walker was the former hitting coach that Seitzer will be replacing. The Toronto Blue Jays had only signed Seitzer for a one year deal last season. They didn't want to lock him up on a long term deal last season. Therefore, he was able to sign freely with any team. Seitzer has a history with President of the Atlanta Braves Jon Schuerholtz. Jon Schuerholtz actually drafted Seitzer when he was a player for the Kansas City Royals. Schuerholtz served as the general manager of the Royals at that time.
Kevin Seitzer was popular in Toronto. However, Colby Rasmus had some issues with how his hitting approach was. However, his philosophy was extremely helpful for Jose Bautista. Seitzer made Bautista a better hitter in 2014.
Seitzer became a hitting coach in 2007 for the Arizona Diamondbacks. In 2009-2012 Kevin Seitzer was the hitting coach for the Kansas City Royals. In 2013, he was the Blue Jays hitting coach. Seitzer played third base and hit a career .292 in 12 seasons. He played for the Royals, Brewers, Athletics and Indians. His son Cameron is a first baseman who's a prospect for the Tampa Bay Rays. In spring training Seitzer watched his son hit a home run against his team.
John Hart the new Vice President of Baseball operations had this to say about Seitzer, "Kevin is a well-respected, experienced hitting coach,'' Hart said. "He was a great player and as a coach he has a skill set that will benefit our club."