Chicago Cubs manager Lou Piniella completed his staff Wednesday when Gerald Perry agreed to a two-year deal to be the team's hitting coach.
Perry, who was Oakland's hitting coach last season, rejoins Piniella. He served as the Seattle Mariners hitting coach from 2000-2002 when Piniella was managing there.
``Lou's a proven winner. We had a real good relationship in Seattle and we won. We averaged 100 wins a year,'' Perry said.
He has also been the hitting coach for the Pittsburgh Pirates, where he worked with third baseman Aramis Ramirez, who has opted to be a free agent but says he would prefer to return to the Cubs.
Perry played 13 big-league seasons, appearing in 1,193 games with Atlanta (1983-1989), Kansas City (1990) and St. Louis (1991-1995). He batted .265 with 150 doubles, 59 home runs and 396 RBI while stealing 142 bases. he was selected to the 1988 NL All-Star team.
This past season Perry worked with A's slugger Frank Thomas, who came on after a slow start to have a stellar season and help Oakland make the playoffs.
Joining Perry on the Cubs staff will be bench coach Alan Trammell, pitching coach Larry Rothschild, first base coach Matt Sinatro, third base coach Mike Quade, bullpen coach Lester Strode and special assistant Ivan DeJesus.
