Yesterday Singing The Blue asked who Clayton McCullough – the Dodgers new first base coach – is and seemed to find the hiring out of the blue. Within the Dodgers coaching ranks it isn’t out of the blue and most likely is overdue as he marches toward becoming an MLB manager. This is an article I pulled out of the archives from April 23, 2016. The article has not been updated since it was first published, and Clayton’s role as Dodgers Minor League Field Coordinator since then also had not changed until now.
On Wednesday evening I tuned in early to the Great Lakes Loons game so I could catch the pre-game interview with Loons play-by-play announcer Chris Vosters and his guest. I had no idea who his guest might be but was surprised and pleased that it was Clayton McCullough who was signed as the Dodgers Minor League Field Coordinator in January of 2015.
McCullough had initially been selected in the 47th round of the 1998 First Year player draft by the Seattle Mariners out of Rose High School in Greenville, North Carolina. He chose not to sign and decided to attend East Carolina University, also in Greenville, and listed as the third largest university in the state.
McCullough was then selected by the Cleveland Indians in the 22nd round of the 2002 June Amateur Draft. He played for four years in the Indians minor league system reaching as high as the AAA Buffalo Bisons of the International League for one game in 2005.
The young catcher retired as an active player at the age of 25 following his brief stint with the Buffalo Bisons. His next venture was to return to East Carolina University to complete his degree in communications and to serve as a volunteer assistant coach with the baseball Pirates. He worked with the ECU catchers and coached first base.
McCullough, who turned 36 in December, was scooped up by the Toronto Blue Jays and spent the next seven years in the Blue Jays minor league system. Beginning as a hitting instructor with the rookie level Pulaski Blue Jays he proceeded to build a resume in managing positions with the Gulf Coast League Blue Jays, the Lansing Lugnuts in the Midwest League, the A+ Dunedin Blue Jays in the Florida State League and the Vancouver Canadians in the Northwest League. Along the way he was named Manager of the Year in 2011 with the FSL Blue Jays and led the Vancouver Canadians to two consecutive Northwest League Championships. In 2012 he gained his second straight Manager of the Year Award, this time with the Canadians.
McCullough next served as the Blue Jays’ minor league Coordinator of Instruction working primarily with the youngest position prospects in the organization from the Dominican Summer League up to the Florida State League.
The Blue Jays were definitely disappointed to lose McCullough to the Dodgers. Charlie Wilson spoke of the Jays’ loss: “Clayton McCullough is a guy we’re really going to miss,” Blue Jays minor league director Charlie Wilson told Bluebird Banter at the Buffalo Bisons Hot Stove Luncheon, adding that
“It’s really tough to lose a guy like Clayton. The sky’s the limit for him. He’ll do very well in this game. Major league manager, farm director, general manager, who knows. He’s that good.”
Toronto’s Assistant General Manager Andrew Tinnish concurred.:
“The Dodgers made a great hire. He’s a great guy, he’s a great worker, he’s got a lot of energy, he has a great eye for talent, and he does a nice job of developing players.”
On his visits to the Dodgers minor league teams McCullough attends practices and games wearing a full Dodger home uniform bearing number “6”.
In his interview on Wednesday evening with Chris Vosters, McCullough confirmed what many Dodger fans suspected with the way minor league players are now moving throughout the minor league system.
McCullough is getting in a few trips in the first couple of the months and although chilled by the weather in Midland, his enthusiasm for the game and the young prospects has not been dampened. When asked about his thoughts on the Dodgers lower minor league system he responded;
“We have a very deep system through the [short season] rookie level, Arizona League and Dominican Summer League. The team is committed to replenishing the system after the trades. I am excited about the quality of players from the A level down.”
In addition to his work with every level of the Dodgers minor league system, McCullough also assists with the big league club during spring training.
Chris Vosters asked McCullough what he thought about prospect ratings. Although he doesn’t see the prospect ratings as indicative of anything more than a rating he does value them.
“We do look at them and the industry value is important and we want them [prospects] to be held in high esteem throughout baseball.”
McCullough was asked about the perceived plan by the Dodgers to fast track or push players through the system. He replied that players are not being pushed just to push them but starting last year players were assigned to a level it was thought they could handle and if they perform well then they are moved on.
McCullough continued;
“We are not afraid to have Brendon Davis or Omar Estevez at A level. We want to see how they handle the mental ups and downs.” Estevez and Davis at age 18 are the two youngest players in the Midwest League. Further evidence of that approach would be the success of 19-year old Yusniel Diaz is having with the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes of the A+ California league and 19-year old Alex Verdugo is having with the AA Tulsa Drillers of the Texas League.”
McCullough also spoke to the unique experience the Midwest League provides for young players:
“It is the first full season for a lot of guys, with long bus rides, new parks and the competitive level challenges with older college drafted players.”
Accompanying Clayton McCullough on his Midland trip and also in full Dodger garb was Dodgers Hitting Coordinator Damon Mashore. It most likely is rewarding for them to see both shortstop Omar Estevez and third baseman Brandon Davis drive balls to the opposite field.
Welcome to the show! I have no doubt he will be a great addition to the team. Also just to let you guys know, my brother came home from the hospital on Thursday. He is feeling a lot better. He will be off of work until after Christmas. Thanks for all of the well wishes. And we got snow yesterday and expect more today. On a sadder note, my personal music family lost a great friend yesterday, Sue Smart, who used to run a talent agency in Orange County passed away at 90. Sue and her husband Del performed as a duo in the 50’s 60’s and early 70’s all over Southern California. Her son Mike had one of the better country bands in So Cal in the 70’s and 80’s, Western Union. They were the house band at the Palomino for a while and also played at most every major club in the area. Her daughter Delbi, who now lives and works in Las Vegas was also a performer. Mike now lives in Florida. The only video I have of me performing was at a 1983 benefit we did for Del when he was sick with cancer. Mike’s band, and several other performers are on the video. It was originally on VHS and transferred to a disc by the daughter of the owner of the club we did the benefit at. RIP Sue. You were a great inspiration and one who always urged me to keep on doing my music. You will be missed.
Bear – very pleased to learn that your brother is doing well following his surgery.
Thank You Harold..
Thanks for the McCullough bio and picture. I have seen him at Camelback spring training, never knew his name. Dodgers promoting from within is a good signal to the minor league coaches who work so hard. Big shoes for him to fill as I think George Lombard was a well respected member of Roberts coaching staff.
The Dodgers continue to be a source of quality players, coaches and, front-office types. The Andrew Friedman Tree is growing – that is one of his strengths – he hires and develops great people knowing that he can’t keep them all.
The repeat is gonna be sweet.
Thanks for picking up on my question from yesterday, Harold. For whatever reason, I had never heard McCullough’s name before in the the reading I had done about Dodger coaches and staff.
He certainly sounds like a winner and a good addition to the major league coaching group. If I couldn’t get Utley to come out of retirement, I’m happy to settle for Clayton.
I was hoping for a Bill Haselman or Utley, but Clayton McCullough sounds very deserving. Welcome and congratulations.
Bear, thanks for the update on your brother. It is very good news. Sorry about the loss of your friend though.
Thank you DBM. Sue was all class and a very talented lady.
Bear, very happy to hear your brother is improving.
Thanks Phil..
Two Clayton’s are better than one! Bear glad to hear that your brother is doing better
Don’t forget about Clayton Beeter. His curve says he is not that far away.
Man, Miller/Beeter/Knack/Williams.
All big boys with big arms.
Pepiot & Lewis not far behind.
I liked Beeter most of all when he was drafted but Miller looks like an absolute monster: size and “pitchability” make his ceiling limitless.
Shouldn’t that be MAY?? I do not think the Dodgers have a pitcher named MAN. Although it would make communication with his catcher very simple since all he would need to do is say , hey man!
May has already arrived but yes he’s the prototype for a tall pitcher. Hard to believe he and Bellinger were once considered too skinny.
I was referring to the fact that you spelled it MAN. I know May is here, actually it is December and very cold..
Tiny Lister passed away from Covid on Thursday. Some of you may remember him from his wrestling days. He also did some movies and was in No Holds Barred with the Hulk. USC-UCLA on ABC tonight. GO TROJANS ! McCann to sign with the Mets, reported 4 years 40 million. I guess Realmuto’s options are dwindling,
With the hiring of Dumbrowski, I think JT goes back to Philly for 6 years/$85 Million.
It is possible.Some think he is lobbying for a deal worth at least 120 mil.
I have been reading a lot about the Quakes change from an advanced A team to a low A team. I can not understand why that was done. Can anyone explain it to me because it did not seem to make sense to me. Thanks.
My best guess is that the Midwest League is a pitcher’s league while the California League is a hitter’s league and they want the hitters at the A+ level to experience playing on fields where the pitching is stronger because of the situation of the fields. Other than that I have no idea.
Thank you DC. It just seems so inconvenient for the Dodgers having their rehab fields so close by. Not that that should be a reason not to do it. Now longer traveling. Just wondered if MLB felt the Quakes were too successful.
Looks like the link put me in moderation. Here it is without the link
Suspect the change also had something to do with attendance.
Average attendance 2019
Midwest league (A) – 3612 / game
Cal league (A+) – 2342 / game
FYI Dodger affiliates in 2019
GL Loons – 2839
RC Quakes – 2384
Thanks SoCalGrinch
Suspect the change also had something to do with attendance.
Average attendance 2019
Midwest league (A) – 3612 / game
Cal league (A+) – 2342 / game
FYI
Dodger affiliates in 2019
GL Loons – 2839
RC Quakes – 2384
https://ballparkdigest.com/2019/09/09/2019-affiliated-attendance-by-league/
Glad to hear your brother is doing better Bear.
Unfortunately, the world of baseball and music lost another major contributor today. Charley Pride passes away from Covid complications. RIP Charley.
Thamk you Blue. I had not heard about Charlie. RIP…Roll on Mississippi..
Dave Dalh to the Rangers.
Tahnk you
Bear – I just read that Charley Pride has died from Covid-19 complications. We attended three of his shows over the years in Halifax. Very much enjoyed his singing. So sorry another legend is gone and so sorry for his family. His son Dion was with him the last time he visited Halifax.
That is my favorite Charley Pride recording. Also really like, “Is Anybody Going to San Antone?” and “Just Between You and Me”.
My very favorite Charley Pride recording is “Blue Ridge Mountains Turnin’ Green”
I loved the melody and lyrics.
Top ten current Dodgers:
1. Betts
2. Seager
3. Buehler
4. Bellinger
5. Smith
6. Kershaw
7. Urias
8. May
9. Muncy
10. Graterol
Dustin May just got engaged, joining Graterol who did so last week.
If anyone wants to know the perfect free agent relief pitcher according to stats that I would absolutely go after and sign, it is Roberto Osuna. BUT apparently he is a wife beater according to authorities.
If he didn’t have problems with authorities I would throw big money at him to get him to sign. Just thought I’d reveal who I think the best free agent reliever is according to stats.
Which is the perfect reason never to put all your faith in statistics.
Character counts too!
The “perfect” reason?
I read those charges were withdrawn.
If you had seen the pictures of the woman you would know that he is a woman beater. They were disgusting and I would not want him ever wearing a Dodger uniform.
Pictures? No, I never saw pictures. I just read he said he didn’t do it, she didn’t pursue it and the charges were withdrawn. The league suspended him, I did see that. I don’t know what happened. People lie about stuff all the time.
It is being reported that JT wants a three year contract. That might be tough for the Dodgers, but he might find a team in the AL looking for a DH who can play also defense on occasion.
I have no problem with JT asking for a three year contract……………………………………………….as long as he doesn’t insist on it. Maybe a nice compromise would be two years with an option that automatically vests with a certain number of at bats in year two.
I’ll bet that Arenado is whispering in his ear to demand five years.
2 years/$18 Million – or let JT Walk.
I assumed the JT you were talking about was Realmuto.
Nope it is Turner. Being reported by multiple sources on Twitter.
I read it again. Up above, with JT going back to Philly, has to be Realmuto.
Twitter?
And Turner wanting 3 years is not a big ask. He’s the kind of hitter that can put up 3 WAR splitting time with Rios. Also, if the DH comes back he can easily hit for 3 years. How much does he want? I’d give him 3 years if he would sign a weight clause. Stay under 200
Nope it is Turner. Being reported on MLBTR also.
I am fine with Rios at 3B until… Hoese or whoever.
Busch
Lux
Reks
Raley
Ruiz
Keep the pipeline loaded and don’t make a dope-fiend move.
Turner projects well over .800 OPS for 490 at bats. He got 4.9 WAR with less than that 2 years ago. I’m betting he could get close to 4 WAR with those projections next year. I try to keep him.
I do not think the Dodgers will go 3 years for JT. Some are saying it is just a starting point. But 3 years for a guy who is 36 is a little much.
It’s more likely he gets 300-350 AB”s and the other numbers decline slightly!
He can be a useful player in a platoon with Rios, but no way he puts up over 2.0 WAR!
I’ll take that bet.
JT put up 1.5 bWAR with 150 at bats last year. If you think he’s getting 300 at bats Mark, I think I’m taking Badger’s side of the bet.
I just hope that we can follow his progress in a Dodger uniform. Would hate to have him get 2-3 WAR in a Blue Jays uni.
… but he’s a year older. Can you do what you did last year?
I didn’t do much. So, yeah, I can do that again.
Badger took the words right outta my mouth.
Low bar.
RotoChamp projects 4 Dodgers with 30 home runs next year, 5 with the Turner/Rios platoon projected at 40. For the record I’d take the under on that projection. Not more than 36.
Justin Turner is seeking a three-year deal, per Peter Abraham of the Boston Globe. That might be a tough sell for the 36-year-old. Three years might be the ask for Turner, who is represented by GEM Agency, but it’s just as likely a starting point to give their side some wiggle room in negotiations. That said, Turner was a central piece for the World Series champs, slashing .307/.400/.460 across 175 plate appearances in 2020. That’s good for a 140 wRC+. The immediate concern, rather, relates to his viability at third base that far into the future. His glovework earned marks of -2 OAA in 2020 and -1 DRS, both of which are palatable marks. But if there’s significant regression coming for Turner, the glove is where to look first. Regardless, for those clubs looking to add an impact bat in 2021, there aren’t many better than Turner.
He’ll be back.
Agree. He’s seeking a 3 year deal because if he said he’s seeking a 2 year deal, he’d get 1.
Hell, I’m seeking Jessica Alba. Let’s see what I get
What happened to the Dodgers current first base coach?
If you mean George Lombard, he’s now bench coach for the Tigers.
Bummer, loved Lombard. Wish him the best. I guess the poaching begins.
USC 43 UCLA 38 USC won for the third time this year in the last 60 seconds. Ya have to say they play a full 60 minutes, and they were down 18 early in the 3rd quarter. Big plays in the last minute, a 45 yard kickoff return, and a 25 yard pass. Then with 16 seconds left, Slovis hits his WR on an out pattern for the winning TD. Former USC quarterback JT Daniels leads the Georgia Bulldogs to a win.
Let’s just say it’s a good thing the Trojans didn’t play Alabama this year! That defense was down right “offensive“ tonight!