Seattle Mariners offseason: Dave Hansen hired as new hitting coach

After the 2012 campaign came to a close, the Seattle Mariners parted ways with hitting coach Chris Chambliss. Now, they're going with someone that was considered for the job before Chambliss filled the spot.

#Mariners hire Dave Hansen as new hitting coach. Hansen finished 15-year MLB career with M's in '05, was #Dodgers hitting coach last year.

— Greg Johns (@GregJohnsMLB) October 22, 2012

Hansen was a finalist when Mariners manager Eric Wedge was hired two seasons ago. He was let go by the Los Angeles Dodgers following the 2012 season. Hansen spent most of his professional career with the Dodgers before finishing up in the Emerald City. In 2005, he hit .173 and belted two home runs in 88 plate appearances.

Hansen steps into a job that hasn't been too secure lately. His hire marks the 13th person to have the job over the last 17 years, including Lee Elia twice. In 2008, the Mariners went through three hitting coaches (Jeff Pentland, Lee Elia and Jose Castro) and have gone through just as many since the start of the 2010 season.

Hansen will have his work cut out for him. The Mariners ranked dead last in Major League Baseball in batting average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage and OPS last season. Hopefully he can stay with the team longer than the 13 coaches who came before him.