Spinners announce coaching staff
"We are thrilled to have Bruce back at the helm of the Spinners for the 2013 season," said Spinners president and general manager, Tim Bawmann. "He is a great teacher of the game and a strong fit in the Lowell community, with a proven track record of developing some of the game's top prospects."
2013 will represent Crabbe's ninth season in the Red Sox organization and 10th season a Minor League manager. He managed the Spinners to a 36-40 record in 2012, including a 27-16 record over the team's final 43 games, second best in the New York-Penn League. He has previously managed the Spinners in 2006 and 2010, teams that included top prospects Justin Masterson, Bryce Brentz and Brandon Jacobs, among others.
Prior to joining the Red Sox organization, Crabbe spent seven seasons working in the Texas Rangers system, earning Manager of the Year honors with Pulaski in 1999. He played professionally with the Cubs, Blue Jays and Braves, following an All-American career at the University of Florida.
Miranda, who pitched for six seasons in the Florida Marlins system, returns to Lowell for his third stint as the club's pitching coach. He previously filled the same role from 2005-2006, and again in 2008, when the Spinners won their first Stedler Division title. Miranda spent the previous four seasons as the pitching coach for the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League Red Sox and has been a pitching coach in the Red Sox organization for the past 12 seasons. He takes over for Paul Abbott, who guided the Spinners' pitchers the previous two seasons and has earned a promotion to Greenville.
Hall, a 16-year Minor League veteran, takes over as the Spinners' hitting coach after his coaching debut with the GCL Red Sox in 2012. Originally a 27th round selection of the Montreal Expos in 1995, Hall played 1,543 games in his career, batting .284 with 134 home runs and 833 RBIs. He played in the New York-Penn League in 1997 as a member of the then Vermont Expos. Hall replaces Nelson Paulino, who moves up to Class A Advanced Salem.
"It is always great to bring back a familiar face in Walter, and we look forward to welcoming Noah into the Spinners community," added Bawmann. "Their years of experience will be invaluable for our players."
The final addition to the Spinners coaching staff have yet to be announced, as the Spinners head athletic trainer has yet to be revealed, though an announcement is expected as the season approaches. MacKenzie Zabbo, head athletic trainer in 2012, received a promotion to Class A Greenville.