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“It’s nothing against Leip (former first base/outfield coach Tim Leiper). It’s just this will be a new opportunity for us,” Atkins added.

Leiper was let go on earlier this month.

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Hernandez was acquired by the Jays on July 31, 2017 from the Houston Astros.

The Jays hired Montoyo to replace John Gibbons on Oct.25, partly on the strength of his communication and teaching skills. It doesn’t hurt that Montoyo is fluent in Spanish, which is Hernandez’s first language.

“Just about every singe person Charlie has worked with and has been around seemingly has enjoyed and embraced the impact he’s had,” said Atkins. “That’s probably overstated (but) every person who’s reached out to us — and there has been a very large number — has said that he has a great way about him, he has a great ease of connection and great baseball intellect and experiences and he wants to do things collaboratively. So that’s exciting. I’m not always a person that believes that just a new voice or just new change is significant, but I can’t imagine feeling better about Charlie Montoyo and his ability to connect and relate with our players and create some energy. It’s not just this off-season but the coming years … it’s a very good feeling.

“One of the players I’m really excited about getting in and around Charlie is (shortstop) Richie Urena, who doesn’t get a lot of (attention),” Atkins said. “But the best (performance) we’ve seen (of him) has been (when he’s played) in the major leagues.”

Urena, 22, hit .293 with an OBP of .340 in 40 games for the Jays last season after hitting .216 with a .250 OBP in 65 appearances with the Buffalo Bisons in 2018. Atkins thinks Montoyo might be able to left Urena’s game.

Hernandez is an intriguing player because of his pop. He had 22 home runs with the Jays last season in 134 games. Atkins said he will be training this off-season in the D.R. and at the club’s facility in Dunedin.

“We are working through that right now,” said Atkins.

SBuffery@postmedia.com

Twitter @Beezersun