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Source: Sox have hitting coach lined up

A source has confirmed an MLB.com report that Todd Steverson is going to replace the fired Jeff Manto as White Sox hitting coach. The announcement will come after the World Series, as will the Sox’ signing of free-agent first baseman Jose Abreu.

Steverson, 41, has filled multiple coaching roles with the Oakland A’s since 2004.

He joined the organization as hitting coach for Class A Vancouver and was named manager at A Stockton in 2005. Steverson continued managing in the Athletics’ minor-league system until taking over as Oakland’s first-base coach for two years (2009-10).

In 2011, he was on the move again, serving as hitting coach for Triple-A Sacramento. The past two seasons, Steverson was Oakland’s minor-league hitting coordinator.

Steverson played parts of two major-league seasons, appearing in 30 games with the Tigers in 1995 and one game with the Padres in ’96.

In 2012, Steverson garnered national attention for employing an unusual strategy.

On June 23, he was filling in as manager for Stockton during a game against Modesto. The game ran into the 17th inning, and Steverson had to use position players to pitch. Worried more about keeping his players healthy than the final outcome of one game, Steverson reportedly ordered three intentional balks so Modesto would score and end the marathon.

Steverson was fined by the California League and banned from being in Stockton’s dugout for one year.

When he gets to Chicago, Steverson will try fixing the American League’s lowest-scoring offense this season. The White Sox also ranked last in the league in walks and second from the bottom with a .302 on-base percentage.

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