Initially, Phillies Assistant Hitting Coach Wally Joyner declined the Phillies' contract offer for 2013. Then, he changed his mind and was formally named back to the Phillies' coaching staff in his same role. Now, Joyner is quitting again:
Gone again: Assistant hitting coach Wally Joyner has left the Philadelphia Phillies to pursue other opportunities.
— Ryan Lawrence (@ryanlawrence21) November 17, 2013
What changed since then? That would be unclear. Perhaps Joyner is looking for a better position with a team. The Seattle Mariners are hiring a coaching staff to work with new manager Lloyd McClendon and the Cubs are filling out their coaching staff under new manager Rick Renteria. Bill Mueller had been in play as a possible Cubs hitting coach, but they have yet to hire someone. Renteria and Joyner have coached together in the past for the San Diego Padres.
Germantown Dave has a theory:
I can't believe Wally Joyner wasn't thrilled w/ the opportunity to work w/ legendary slugger Marlon Byrd. #Phillies
— GTown_Dave (@GTown_Dave) November 17, 2013
