Liriano to manage Burlington in 2009

BURLINGTON, NC -- The Kansas City Royals have announced the Minor League coaching staffs for the 2009 season including the staff for the Burlington Royals, who will be led by Nelson Liriano.

Liriano, who has worked in the Royals organization since 2002,has been the hitting coach for the Wilmington Blue Rocks (Class A Advanced) the past two seasons.

Signed by the Toronto Blue Jays as an amateur free agent in 1982, Liriano made his Major League debut on Aug. 25, 1987 with the Blue Jays. The second baseman played for various teams from 1987-1998, including the Kansas City Royals in 1991, batting a career average of .260 over those 11 seasons.

Returning from this past season is pitching coach Bobby St. Pierre as well as Omar Ramirez. Ramirez will remain as hitting coach, a position he took on after the departure of Patrick Anderson toward the end of last season.

Tony Tijerina, manager of the 2008 squad, will continue to be a part of the Kansas City Royals organization in 2009 as Assistant Field Coordinator as well as Catching Coordinator.