11.   Astros hitting coach Tom McCraw spent five seasons as a coach with the Mets and has an idea what Everett might encounter at Shea Stadium.

12.   ATLANTA - The Atlanta Braves fired hitting coach Merv Rettenmund on Tuesday, making the first move of what could be a volatile off-season.

13.   ATLANTA - As hard a decision as it was to leave baseball, former National League MVP and new Braves hitting coach Terry Pendleton found it harder to return.

14.   Baseball teams have hitting coaches and pitching coaches.

15.   Baylor has a reputation as one of the best hitting coaches in baseball.

16.   Being a major league hitting coach is like being a doctor, dentist, lawyer or psychiatrist.

17.   Bichette points to the guidance of former Brewers hitting coach Mike Easler and Rockies Manager Don Baylor as the primary factors in his development.

18.   Bell was the third Colorado manager Hurdle worked under, also serving as hitting coach for Don Baylor and Jim Leyland.

19.   Admittedly, it will take a miracle for him to be reinstated as hitting coach of the Red Sox.

20.   After three turns of batting practice, Strawberry stepped aside to joke with Clayton and listen to some advice from hitting coach Bobby Bonds.