GatewayRedbirds.com

1) Pitching coach
2) Hitting coach
3) Bullpen coach
4) Bench coach
5) 3B coach
6) 1B coach

The reason I think the bench coach is important is because the manager,depending on who the coach is, will go to the bench coach for his opinion on what should be done with game strategy situations before they arise or as they happen. I know Larussa does this.

According to "Three Nights", he doesn't - which makes me wonder what Pettini is out there for. OTOH, there are teams out there who utilize the bench coach a great deal, either as essentially an "assistant manager" (although I can't think of any examples right now) or as a "sounding board" (think Torre/Zimmer).

I'd go

1. Pitching Coach
2. 3rd Base Coach - who usually takes over the team when the manager is gone
3/4. Hitting Coach/Bench Coach (this depends on your manager and his style, and also depends on who the coaches are)
5. Bullpen Coach
6. 1st Base Coach - although on some teams, his function is somewhat greater because of the team's style of play

I'm pretty sure that I remember Larussa saying, on one of the Cards World Series videos, that he asked the bench coaches what they thought on some situations during the playoffs.

Joe P has a SWEET gig. Heck when TLR is gone (illness, family business), Oquendo is the manager. Pettini just gets to hang out. Im sure he does more then that, but its a sweet gig.

Same with Marty Mason. I know he does more then answer the phone, Im sure he has a copy of the Deacons notes and for example "Izzy you've got 5-6-7 hitters comming up. This guy we want to attack with change ups low and away.." Or something like that.

But hes Deacons assistant. Kinda like the "O" cordinator in football and QB coach work so close together.

Now that I think about it. I think Larussa was asking Duncan for his opinion on certain situations,not the bench coach. Ok, so maybe the bench coach drops down to last or near last in order of importance.