Andy Tracy named to manage Cutters
Tracy, who will be making his managerial debut, played in parts of two pennant-winning seasons for the Phillies (2008-09) as part of his 16 years in professional baseball. He was drafted in the 16th round of the 1996 draft by the Montreal Expos and appeared in 149 major league games in parts of five seasons with Montreal, Colorado and Philadelphia. Tracy finished his minor league career with a .268 batting average, 296 home runs and 1,064 RBI in 1,590 games.
Tracy is excited to get the next phase of his career underway. "Managing is something that's been on my mind the last 3 or 4 seasons," he said. "During the 2011 season at Triple-A Reno, I really felt the time was right to end my playing career and get into coaching. I'm really looking forward to it."
Tracy will be joined on the Cutters staff by new pitching coach Aaron Fultz who also enters his first season as a coach in the professional ranks. Fultz spent two years (2005-06) on the Phillies' pitching staff under manager Charlie Manuel and played on the National League champion San Francisco Giants in 2002. He has a career record of 25-15 with a 4.26 ERA in 463 major league appearances.
The new Williamsport hitting coach is expected to be announced at a later date.
Mickey Morandini, who managed Williamsport in 2011 has been promoted to manage the Lakewood BlueClaws, the Phillies single-A affiliate in the South Atlantic League. Jorge Velandia, who served as a Williamsport coach in 2010 and 2011 is now the Phillies Assistant Minor League Field Coordinator.
The Crosscutters open their 2012 season on June 18th hosting the rival State College Spikes at Bowman Field. Season tickets, Bonus Books and other ticket plans for the 2012 season are now available and can be purchased online at www.crosscutters.com, by phone at (570) 326-3389 or in person at the Sawmill Team Store located at Bowman Field.
2012 Phillies Minor League Coaching Staffs
(* coached or managed in Williamsport)
Triple-A Lehigh Valley:
Manager- Ryne Sandberg
Pitching Coach- Rod Nichols
Coach- Sal Rende
Double-A Reading:
Manager- *Dusty Wathan
Pitching Coach- Bob Milacki
Coach- Frank Cacciatore
Single-A Clearwater:
Manager *Chris Truby
Pitching Coach- *Dave Lundquist
Coach- John Mizerock
Single-A Lakewood:
Manager- *Mickey Morandini
Pitching Coach- Les Lancaster
Coach- *Greg Legg
Short-Season A Williamsport:
Manager- Andy Tracy
Pitching Coach- Aaron Fultz
Coach- TBA
Gulf Coast League Phillies:
Manager- Roly de Armas
Pitching Coach- Steve Schrenk
Coach- Kevin Jordan