Pirates hire Banister as special assistant

PITTSBURGH -- "Banny" is back with the Bucs.

The Pirates on Sunday hired former bench coach Jeff Banister as a special assistant in their baseball operations department. Before taking the Rangers' managerial job in October 2014, Banister spent 29 seasons in the Pittsburgh organization.

"Jeff Banister returns to the Pirates as a valuable resource, instructor and advisor for our front office, Major League team and player development system," general manager Neal Huntington said in a statement. "Jeff brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and a passion for the Pirates back to the organization. We are thrilled to add a quality person and baseball man to help an organization that he loves get…