Ocasio to Manage Nuts in 2015
Fred Ocasio will manage the Modesto Nuts in 2015, the Colorado Rockies announced today. The 2015 season will be Ocasio's 19th in the Rockies organization and his first year with Modesto. Last year, Ocasio managed the Asheville Tourists to the South Atlantic League title. Ocasio also won the Northwest League Championship as manager of the Tri City Dust Devils. Prior to his coaching career, Ocasio spent two years in the Rockies minor league system as a player.
New to the Nuts Pitching Staff this season is Pitching Coach Brandon Emanuel. Emanuel spent six years as a pitching coach in the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim organization (2008-2013). Emanuel was selected in the second round of the 1998 First-Year Player Draft out of Northwestern State University of Louisiana where he played nine season in the minors.
Hitting coach Drew Saylor will also be making his Modesto Nuts debut in 2015. Saylor was the manager of the Tri-City Dust Devils in 2013 and 2014. Prior to coaching, Saylor played second base during his five-year minor league baseball career.
Former Modesto Nuts manager Jerry Weinstein will return as the team's Developmental Supervisor. Weinstein managed the Nuts from 2007 -2011. His 368 victories during his 5-year tenure is most in franchise history.
Trainer Josh Guterman will return for his 3rd season with the Nuts.
The 2015 Modesto Nuts home schedule begins on Thursday, April 16th against the Inland Empire 66ers. Ticket packages are currently available by visiting www.modestonuts.com or by calling 572-HITS (4487).