masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgOrioles executive vice president Dan Duquette inched closer to completing his minor league staff by hiring Michael Boulanger as hitting coordinator.

Boulanger held the same title with the Texas Rangers until June 8, when he replaced Scott Coolbaugh as hitting coach at Triple-A Round Rock. Coolbaugh replaced Thad Bosley as the Rangers’ hitting coach.

Boulanger has ties to Duquette and manager Buck Showalter. He previously served as a a minor league manager with the Minnesota Twins and Boston…Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette inched closer to completing his minor league staff by hiring Michael Boulanger as hitting coordinator.

Boulanger held the same title with the Texas Rangers until June 8, when he replaced Scott Coolbaugh as hitting coach at Triple-A Round Rock. Coolbaugh replaced Thad Bosley as the Rangers’ hitting coach.

Boulanger has ties to Duquette and manager Buck Showalter. He previously served as a a minor league manager with the Minnesota Twins and Boston Red Sox through 2002 before joining the Rangers as a minor league coach and roving instructor. He managed Triple-A Oklahoma in 2006.

The Orioles didn’t have a minor league hitting coordinator last season. Julio Vinas most recently held the title before he resigned in 2009.

Denny Walling has served as the Orioles’ minor league hitting instructor since 2007. Terry Crowley was reassigned as a roving hitting instructor and talent evaluator last season.

The Orioles are expected to hire Rick Peterson as pitching coordinator, which also could involve other duties. He’s met with officials on three occasions.

The Orioles still haven’t announced all of their hires and which managers and coaches are returning for the 2012 season. Former Red Sox first base coach Ron Johnson will manage Triple-A Norfolk, with Gary Allenson moving down to short-season Single-A Aberdeen.

Luke Scott update: Scott’s deal is official. He’ll make $5 million in 2012, and the contract includes a $6 million option in 2013 with a $1 million buyout. He was paid $6.4 million last season.