Manatees coaching staff taking shape for 2011

VIERA, FLA. - The Milwaukee Brewers today announced the coaching staffs for its minor league affiliates including the Brevard County Manatees.

Bob Miscik who managed the Manatees last season was named the roving instructor for the Brewers farm system this season. With Miscik's departure, Jeff Isom will take the reins in Brevard County for the 2011 season.

Isom has spent the previous four seasons managing in the Brewers' farm system. From 2009-10, he led the Class-A Wisconsin Timber Rattlers. Prior to that, he managed Class-A West Virginia Power to a 77-62 record in 2008 and the Rookie League Helena Brewers to a 48-28 record and the first half title in the Pioneer League's Northern Division.

Isom pitched in the minors for three seasons with both the Pirates and the Padres. He was drafted by Pittsburgh in the 13th round of the 1993 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft out of Purdue University.

"We are excited to have Jeff come on board as our manager for this season," Brevard County Manatees Kyle Smith said. "He has a great track record in the Brewers organization and we look forward to having him help develop our players this season."

The Brewers also announced that pitching coach Fred Dabney, hitting coach Dwayne Hosey and athletic trainer Tommy Craig will all be back in Brevard County for the 2011 season.

Dabney is entering his seventh season as the Manatees pitching coach and has been coaching in the Brewers organization for eight seasons. He also spent a month of the 2010 season as Milwaukee's bullpen coach as Brewers bullpen coach Stan Kyles underwent treatment for prostate cancer.

Hosey is starting his second season as Brevard County's hitting coach. He played in 13 professional seasons including two with the Boston Red Sox from 1994-95.

Craig will be back for his fifth season as the trainer for the Manatees. He has been an athletic trainer in professional baseball for over 30 seasons and was the trainer for the Toronto Blue Jays when they won back-to-back World Series titles in 1992-93.

"It's great to have Fred, Dwayne and Tommy all back in 2011," Smith said. "They have worked well with the players who have come through Brevard County in the past."

For more information on the Brevard County Manatees, call (321) 633-9200 or visit ManateesBaseball.com.