Rangers hire Hamilton’s father-in-law for support

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP)—The Texas Rangers have hired Josh Hamilton’s father-in-law as a staff special assistant.

General manager Jon Dacheap jerseyniels said Thursday that Michael Dean Chadwick will fill a support role as an accountability partner for the slugger that was left vacant when Johnny Narron left in November to become Milwaukee’s hitting coach.

Narron joined the Rangers when Hamilton was acquired four years ago in a trade from Cincinnati. His primary role was to support Hamilton, the former No. 1 overall draft pick who rebounded from substance abuse problems to become the 2010 AL MVP and a four-time All-Star.
Last season, Narron added the title of major league assistant hitting coach. The two-time defending American League champion Rangers don’t plan to hire anyone to fill that role.

“When we traded for Josh, we felt that Johnny was a key hire and it turns out he was,” Daniels said. “There was a little bit more unknown when he was traded. He had never played here before, never been on the stage in the same regard. We look at this more as it’s a support system more than a necessity. … Josh is in a very different position today than he was when we acquired him, both personally and professionally.”

Chadwick has been CEO of his home-building and development company in North Carolina. Through the nonprofit Mike Chadwick Ministries, he has shared his Christian faith and the story of his own substance abuse issues he had earlier in life.

Chadwick will travel with the team, though Daniels said his presence may not be as prominent as Narron’s without additional duties as a coach. Chadwick was one of two people recommended by Narron to replace him.

After Narron got the job with Milwaukee, where his brother is the bench coach and in the organization where he worked in the minor leagues, Daniels and assistant GM Thad Levine met with Hamilton and his wife, Katie. When Daniels and Levine brought up Chadwick’s name, they found out that the Hamiltons were prepared to suggest him as well.
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Notes: Daniels would not discuss the state of contract negotiations with Japanese pitcher Yu Darvish, who has returned home after his first visit to Texas this week. The Rangers bid a record $51.7 million for the right to negotiate with Darvish during a 30-day window that ends Jan. 18. “With the uniqueness of this process, it’s best-served to hold off on really getting into any specifics until we get a resolution,” Daniels said. “We’re not hiding the fact that he was here.” … Neftali Feliz, the closer expected to switch to the starting rotation, will work out in Arlington and be there for the start of a Ranger pitching camp later this month. … Reliever Mike Adams had surgery Wednesday to repair a hernia. Daniels said Adams is doing well after the procedure and should be ready for the start of the season, even if he is a little behind when spring training opens.