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MLB

Swauger to Return as Manager in 16'

By
February 1, 2016

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. - The St. Louis Cardinals have announced the Johnson City Cardinal's coaching staff for the 2016 season. Chris Swauger, who led the Cardinals in 2015 and was the hitting coach in 2014, will once again serve as the club's manager. Hitting coach Robert Espinoza returns to Johnson City for the first time since 2013 after spending the last two seasons as the hitting coach with the Gulf Coast Cardinals. Pitching coach Cale Johnson will be the new addition to the Johnson City coaching staff in 2016, but it will be a return of sorts. Johnson was a member of the 2009 and 2010 Johnson City Cardinals as a pitcher.

In 2015, the 29-year-old Swauger oversaw the development of Appalachian League All-Stars Edmundo Sosa (SS), Eliezer Alvarez (UTL), and Magneuris Sierra (OF). In addition to the three All-Stars, (C) Chris Chinea was also named a Cardinals Organization All-Star under Swauger's leadership. In 2015, Johnson City finished third in the Appalachian League in batting average, with a combined .263 average.

Swauger played seven seasons in the minors, all with the exception of eight games within the Cardinals organization. As a player Swauger hit .277 for his career with 62 home runs and 319 RBIs. He was a member of two championship teams, Batavia in 2008 and Springfield in 2012. Swauger played his college ball at The Citadel and currently resides in Florida.

At just 26 years old, Robert Espinoza returns to Johnson City after two seasons with the GCL Cardinals. He served as the hitting coach in Johnson City during the 2013 season, and is currently the youngest coach in the Cardinals system. He played six season in the Cardinals minor league system and spent a season in St. Louis as a bullpen assistant.

Johnson, 28, also comes to Johnson City by way of the GCL after just one season. Johnson pitched in the Cardinals organization for four seasons making two stops in Johnson City (2009-2010). In 2010 Johnson went 5-4 with a 3.61 ERA, helping lead Johnson City to an Appalachian League title.

Coming to Johnson City from the Palm Beach Cardinals, Keith Joynt will serve as the head athletic trainer for the 2016 season.

The Johnson City Cardinals finished their 2015 home season on Tuesday, September 1st, 2015 when they took on the Pulaski Yankees. For more information on the offseason schedule, season tickets, future promotional nights and/or partnership opportunities please contact the Johnson City Cardinals office at (423) 461-4866, email at [email protected] or visit their website at www.jccardinals.com.