Cubs hope Jaramillo can resurrect offence

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

CHICAGO — The Chicago Cubs have hired Rudy Jaramillo as their hitting coach, hoping he can resurrect an offence that struggled during a disappointing 2009 season.

Jaramillo, who spent 15 years as the hitting coach of the Texas Rangers, replaces Von Joshua. Joshua was removed after the season and offered a job in triple-A, where he’d worked previously.

The Cubs finished the season batting .255.

Jaramillo turned down a one-year deal from the Rangers last week, ending a long run during which the Rangers were among the most feared lineups in baseball. He will work again with struggling Cubs outfielder Alfonso Soriano, who once played for the Rangers.

Jaramillo also served four years as the hitting coach of the Houston Astros.

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