Gera Alvarez Returns as Manager in 2018
Ford and Godwin return as well
By Nate March / Bradenton Marauders | January 16, 2018 4:11 PM ET
Bradenton, Fla. - The Pittsburgh Pirates today announced their minor league managerial and coaching assignments for the 2018 season. The announcement was made by Pirates Director of Minor League Operations Larry Broadway.
Gera Alvarez will manage the Marauders in the team's ninth season. Alvarez managed the Marauders to a 70-62 record in 2017. He previously managed for the Pirates in the Dominican Summer League from 2012-2014 and was the Dominican Republic Academy Coordinator from 2014-2016. In 2012 he managed the DSL 1 team to the league championship.
The Baltimore Orioles drafted Alvarez as an infielder in the 16th round of the 2002 First-Year Player Draft. He played in 627 games over seven minor league seasons. Prior to his professional career, Alvarez enjoyed a record setting collegiate career at Texas Tech and was an All-Big 12 academic selection.
Matt Ford returns as pitching coach in 2018. This is Ford's fourth season with the Pirates organization and second with the Marauders. Bradenton posted a 3.59 team ERA in 2017. After being drafted in the third round by the Blue Jays in 1999, Ford went on to be a Rule 5 selection of the Brewers following the 2002 season. He made 25 appearances, including four starts, with Milwaukee during the 2003 season.
Butch Wynegar will be the Marauders hitting coach in 2018. This is Wynegar's fourth season working for the Pirates. He spent his first three seasons as the hitting coach for Triple-A Indianapolis. Wynegar played in the big leagues for 13 seasons with the Twins, Yankees, and Angels. He played in the 1976 MLB All-Star Game at just 20 years old. With the Yankees he was behind the plate for Dave Righetti's no-hitter and Phil Niekro's 300th win. Wynegar previously managed in the Florida State League with the Charlotte Rangers from 1995-1997.
Adam Godwin returns in 2018 for his second season as an assistant coach with Bradenton. The Marauders led the Florida State League in stolen bases under Godwin's instruction in 2017.
The 2018 Marauders home opener at LECOM Park will be on Saturday, April 7 at 6:30 p.m. The Marauders host the St. Lucie Mets.
For more information about the Bradenton Marauders, please call 941-747-3031, visit www.BradentonMarauders.com, or email MaraudersInfo@pirates.com.
This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.
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