How important is a ML bench coach? I'm pretty new to the game but it seems like the bench coach is the least important coach on a ML roster. If I understand it right, a minor lg. bench coach can help prospects in numerous ways, but in the ML's he is strictly there to run the team if/when the manager gets the boot. Am I missing something?

I agree 100%

He could be anywhere from the 2nd most valuable to the least valuable. I don't think anyone really knows. We do know that his strategy rating isn't the only one that plays. His descriptions seems to indicate that all of his ratings are important.

I try to get guys with 40's on pitching, hitting, fielding, baserunning and punt the strategy rating.