Borkowski to Lead Hooks Pitchers

HOUSTON -- Major League veteran Dave Borkowski has been named Corpus Christi's pitching coach for 2016, the Houston Astros announced Tuesday.

Borkowski joins the Hooks after a three-year stint with Quad Cities, the Astros' Midwest League affiliate. Quad Cities went 88-50 (.638) last season, trailing only Corpus Christi (89-51, .636) for the best record in Minor League Baseball. The River Bandits' pitching staff posted a 1.15 WHIP and 2.65 ERA which slotted first and second, respectively, among full-season clubs.

Following a 15-year professional playing career, Borkowski served as pitching coach for Rookie-Level Greeneville in 2010. The Michigan native was promoted to Class A the following season, spending 2011 and 2012 with the Lexington Legends of the South Atlantic League.  

Borkowski, 38, made 181 big league appearances over seven seasons with Detroit (1999-2001), Baltimore (2004) and Houston (2006-2008). He was originally selected by the Tigers in the 11^th round of the 1995 draft out of Sterling Heights, Michigan, High.  

The Astros also named Tommy Kawamura Corpus Christi's development coach for the upcoming season. Kawamura has served internships with the New York Mets and Baseball Info Solutions, and has coached at the American Legion level. A graduate of Willamette University in Salem, Oregon, he was captain of the Willamette baseball team from 2012-14.

Reigning Texas League Manager of the Year Rodney Linares, Dan Radison (hitting coach), Grant Hufford (athletic trainer) and Taylor Rhoades (strength and conditioning) round out the Hooks' 2016 field staff.

Former Hooks pitching coach Doug Brocail accepted a major league position with the Texas Rangers in early November.