Cubs name third base coach, finalize coaching staff

The Cubs removed the interim tag from hitting coach James Rowson. (Photo by Steve Green)

The Cubs named David Bell the club’s third base coach and removed the interim tag from hitting coach James Rowson’s title on Tuesday.

The 40-year-old Bell, son of former big leaguer Buddy Bell and grandson of Gus Bell, left his job as the Reds’ Triple-A manager to come to the Cubs. He also managed the Reds’ Double-A team from 2009-11. The former infielder spent 12 seasons playing in the majors with six different teams before retiring after 2006. He amassed a .257 average with 123 home runs during his career.

Bell replaces Pat Listach, whose contract expired at the end of the 2012 season.

Rowson stepped in as the interim hitting coach after the club fired Rudy Jaramillo on June 13. He was formerly the organization’s minor league hitting instructor.