The Huntsville Times
The Huntsville Phantoms have hired a new manager for its Short Season A-Level minor league team, the San Pedro de Macoris Green Sox.
Gustavo Hernández, 40, has two previous years of managerial experience with the Charlottesville Marching Ants, the Rookie League affiliate of Madison. His first season with the Marching Ants was something of a disaster, as they went 15-45 in 2037. The team rebounded nicely in 2038, however, going 33-31.
Gustavo Hernández
“The wins and losses weren’t especially important to us here,” said GM Vic Caleca. “What we were especially interested in was Gustavo’s baseball philosophy and his track record of working with young prospects. In both instances, he is exactly what we were looking for.”
Although Hernández is relatively inexperienced, he has demonstrated a comfort level with advanced analytics and a tireless “no drama” approach to his job.
“This is exactly the kind of opportunity I was hoping for,” he said. “I will do my best to help these young men develop into the best players they can be – and to help the major league team in this time of exciting transition.”
The Phantoms are in the midst of a move from Huntsville to Chicago, where they will resume their historic identity as the Black Sox.
Hernández - who signed a two-year contract for an annual salary of $44,000 - replaces David Vélez, who retired at the end of the year after two seasons at the helm of the Green Sox.
