Rays Announce Minor League Coaching Staffs

By RaysRadio

The Rays announced their 2016 minor league on-field coaching and medical staffs today, with all of the managers returning from 2015. In addition, former knuckleballer Charlie Haeger has joined the organization as a minor league pitching coordinator.Haeger spent parts of five seasons in the majors with the Chicago White Sox (2006–07), San Diego Padres (2008) and Los Angeles Dodgers (2009–10), and last pitched with the Boston Red Sox organization in 2013. Haeger joins Dick Bosman, Dewey Robinson and Jorge Moncada as Rays Minor League pitching coordinators. Perhaps having Haeger teach a struggling pitcher or position player a knuckleball could give that individual a new lease on life in their baseball career.

The Durham Bulls (AAA) will be managed Jared Sandberg for a second season. Sandberg managed the Bulls to a 74–70 finish in 2015, the franchise’s 15th winning season in its 18-year International League history. Pitching coach Kyle Snyder returns for a second season with the Bulls while coach Ozzie Timmons, a Tampa native and former Devil Rays and Bulls outfielder, was promoted from Double-A Montgomery where he spent the past seven seasons. Athletic trainer Mike Sandoval returns for his fifth year with Durham and Conditioning coach Bryan King returns for a third straight season.

The Montgomery Biscuits (AA) will be managed by Brady Williams, who returns for a third season in Montgomery. Williams guided the Biscuits to the Southern League North Division second-half title last season. Pitching coach R.C. Lichtenstein returns for a fifth season with the Biscuits, while Dan DeMent, who begins his eighth year with the Rays organization, was promoted from Bowling Green. Athletic trainer Kris Russell starts his fifth season with Montgomery, while conditioning coach Paul Jones returns for a third year.

The Charlotte Stone Crabs (Advanced-A) will be managed for a second consecutive year by Michael Johns, who led the team to their first Florida State League title in 2015. Pitching coach Steve Watson returns to the Stone Crabs staff for a third consecutive season, his 32nd in a coaching capacity. Coach Joe Szekely returns for his eighth season at his current post with Charlotte. Athletic trainer Scott Thurston returns for his fifth year with the Stone Crabs.

The Bowling Green Hot Rods (A) will be managed by Reinaldo Ruiz, who returns for a second season in Bowling Green. Pitching coach Bill Moloney returns to Bowling Green for a third straight season. Coach Manny Castillo returns for his second stint with Bowling Green, having spent the 2010–13 seasons there before a two-years with Hudson Valley. Athletic trainer James Ramsdell joins the staff after two years with Princeton. Conditioning coach Andrew Cook returns to Bowling Green for a second season.

The Hudson Valley Renegades (Short-Season A) will be managed by Tim Parenton for a third straight year. Pitching coach Brian Reith returns for a second season after a 14-year professional career. Coach Craig Albernaz continues his coaching career with Hudson Valley after one season with Princeton. Athletic trainer Brian Newman returns to the staff for his third consecutive season while conditioning coach Dan Rousseau begins his fourth year with Hudson Valley.

The Princeton Rays (Rookie) will again be managed by Danny Sheaffer, who begins his fourth year in the Rays organization. Sheaffer and the Rays clinched their second straight playoff appearance in 2015, coming within one strike of winning the Appalachian League Championship. Pitching coach Jose Gonzalez returns for a third season in Princeton. Coach Wuarnner Rincones, entering his 10th season in the organization, returns for his second stint with Princeton, having spent the 2010–11 seasons there before four seasons the GCL Rays. Athletic trainer Jeremy Spencer joins the P-Rays for his sixth season with the Rays organization.

The Gulf Coast League Rays (Rookie) will again be managed by Jim Morrison for a fourth consecutive year. Pitching coach Marty DeMerritt also returns for his fourth season with the GCL Rays. Coach Hector Torres, who begins his 11th year with the Rays, also returns to the staff for his seventh season. Other staff members include coaches Tomas Francisco and Rafael Valenzuela athletic trainers Shinichiro Fukuda and Ruben Santiago, as well as conditioning coach Justin Weiss.

The coordinators are as follows:

Field Coordinators: Jim Hoff and Bill Evers

Pitching Coordinators: Dick Bosman, Dewey Robinson, Jorge Moncada, Charlie Haeger

Hitting Coordinators: Steve Livesey and Chad Mottola

Catching Coordinator: Paul Hoover

Outfield/Baserunning Coordinator: Skeeter Barnes

Medical Training Coordinator: Joe Benge

Rehabilitation Coordinator: Joel Smith

Latin America Medical Coordinator: Chris Tomashoff

Strength and Conditioning Coordinator: Trung Cao

Equipment Manager: Tim McKechney

Assistant Equipment Manager: Shane Rossetti