Silver Springs
Former Cat Island manager Martin Flores joins his cousin Luis as they both move up a level as well. They will be joined by newcomer hitting coach Francisco Lozano.
"It's going to be great to keep working with not only Luis, but also some of my players from Cat Island, too" said Martin Flores. "We won a Championship together there and I'd love nothing more than to go back to back with my boys."
"Martin is such a great competitor and teacher. He's why I entered the coaching ranks, too," said Luis Flores. It's a dream come true to work with him here in Silver Springs, the team destined to knock Toledo off its perch."
"I've been watch the Yellow Springs organization from the outside for a while now," said Lozano. "They run a great system, and I'm happy to be a part of it."
"While we loved having Dave Lee and Hunter Thum at Silver Springs, I'm super excited to see what our new group can do, especially fresh off a Championship season," said GM Rob McMonigal. "We're looking to continue that success through Silver Springs and beyond."
Cat Island
Continuing the theme of promotion, while Cat Island may be losing their championship management team, the Pirates raided Alamogordo, with manager Angel Cuevas and hitting coach Don Perez making the jump up to Short A, together with a new pitching coach from the GBC, Luis Gonzales.
"Nine fans all know who Cuevas is, having just won his third Spike Nolan title," said McMonigal. "Perez was a fan favorite in his seasons in Yellow Springs, and has been great at teaching hitting to our young guys. And Gonzales is a proven winner, too, having been a part of Cairo's back to back 95+ winning teams, one of which also took home a Championship. We're super excited to see what the three of them can do."
"Winning in the GBC was great," said Gonzales. "Winning as a part of a BBA organization, even at the lower levels? That will be even better."
Alamogordo
That leaves three opening in Alamogordo, and to fill them, the team has gone to three former players: As manager, former Nine and Nashville Bluebirds catcher, Jesus Rodriguez. For pitching coach, former Nine and Vancouver Mounties pitcher Dave O'Reilly. And at hitting coach, former Nine, New Orleans Crawdad, and Louisville Slugger, Mal Fountain.
Rodriguez, winner of two Championships with the Bluebirds, started his career in Yellow Springs and is known for his knowledge of the game. O'Reilly has been a member of the Nine's scouting team since retiring in 2059. Fountain, after taking a few years off, returns to the game he played on the major league level for 18 seasons.
"I'm grateful for this opportunity," said Rodriguez. "I'm especially grateful for Bo Jordon not closing the door in my face. I know I have quite the challenge in following in Angel's footsteps, but I am confidence we can keep the winning streak going – and maybe add a 4th Championship to the wall."
"It's going to be fun to help teach some of the players I helped us draft," said O'Reilly. "Scouting is a great experience, but there's nothing like being on the field every day, working with a core group of players, forming almost a family together. I've missed that so much. I can't wait to have it back."
"Baseball's always in your blood," said Fountain. "It's why I tried to see if I could hang on for one more year in Atlantic City, but it only resulted in one at bat – and, not going to lie, a lot more money, more than I'll likely ever make as a coach (laughs). "I'd thought about stepping away permanently, and was just about ready to do it, when Mac called me and offered me a chance to be a part of the challenge to keep the Road Runners at the top of the heap. I was a champion myself once – in 2051. I know how much that spurs you on. So I'm gonna do all I can to spur these kids on in Alanmatteralfo? Attaboygrundo? Whatever the hell you call this town."
"We had a unique opportunity to build the new rookie ball staff from scratch," said McMonigal. "J-Rod came to me looking for an opportunity. I knew he'd be perfect for the job. Then it was a matter of finding a bright, ambitious pitching coach – and there was Dave, ready and willing. To complete the trilogy, I looked for a guy who knew the Nine culture and also winning – and that's Mal. I think together they can give Angel a run for his money. They're going to help us solidify our status as a minor league dynasty. You can write that down."
Given this is a press release, we just did!
All of the coaches will report to Spring training in the months to come, and start working with their new and old players to build the dreams of tomorrow today.
