Mariners reveal Diamond Jaxx coaching staff
Phil Plantier spent the 2008 season with the Diamond Jaxx serving as the team's hitting coach. This will be Plantier's second managing role in professional baseball. Plantier was the manager of the independent South Coast League's Macon Music in 2007.
"I'm excited. It will be a new challenge this year. Fortunately, I will have two experienced coaches in Terry (Pollreisz) and Tom (Dettore) that bring a lot of experience to the table. So, I am looking forward to working with them," Plantier said.
Plantier's debut in Major League Baseball was in 1990 with the Boston Red Sox. He spent parts of eight seasons with Boston, San Diego, Oakland, Houston and St. Louis. Plantier, a lifetime .243 hitter with 91 home runs and 292 RBIs, looks to bring his big league experience to the 2009 edition of the Double-A Diamond Jaxx.
"I've been through the struggles as a player. I've been a Minor League player and I understand the things they have to accomplish to reach their potential. Being a former Major League player, it helps me understand the learning process to get to that final goal, which is being a successful Major League player," Plantier added.
Terry Pollreisz will be making his debut with the Jaxx as the team's hitting coach, stepping into the position vacated by Phil Plantier. Pollreisz is in his 12th season with the Seattle Mariners organization. In 2008, Pollreisz was the manager of the Midwest League's Wisconsin Timber Rattlers. Pollreisz also served as the hitting coach for Double-A San Antonio from 2002-2003 and Triple-A Tacoma from 2004-2007.
Former Major League pitcher Tom Dettore will take on the role of pitching coach for the 2009 Diamond Jaxx. During his Major League career Dettore played for the Pirates in 1973 and Cubs from 1974-76. Dettore has worked in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization as a pitching coordinator and as a pitching coach at four levels.
In addition to the field staff, Mike Toth will serve as the athletic trainer and Lexington, Tenn. native Keith Swift will return for his second season as the strength & conditioning coach.