Giants name Roberto Kelly first base coach

SAN FRANCISCO -- The San Francisco Giants have named former Augusta GreenJackets manager Roberto Kelly their first base coach, club senior vice president and general manager Brian Sabean announced today. Kelly will also oversee the team's baserunning and outfield defense for manager Bruce Bochy next season.

The former All-Star outfielder has spent the last three seasons as the skipper of the Giants' South Atlantic League entry Augusta, guiding them to a 285-157 ledger (.622) and two playoff appearances. The 2006 SAL Manager of the Year has led Augusta to the best record in all of Minor League Baseball in each of the last two seasons, going 92-47 in 2006 and 89-51 in 2007.

"Roberto has served notice of his potential as a teacher of the game over the last three years with Augusta," said Sabean. "He brings a wealth of knowledge about winning baseball to Bruce's staff and we look forward to having him on the Major League club."

The 43-year-old Panamanian played 14 years in the Majors with the New York Yankees (1987-92 and 2000), Cincinnati Reds (1993-94), Atlanta Braves (1994), Montreal Expos (1995), Los Angeles Dodgers (1995), Minnesota Twins (1996-97), Seattle Mariners (1997) and Texas Rangers (1998-99). He owned a .290 lifetime batting average with 124 home runs, 585 RBIs, 687 runs scored and 235 stolen bases over 1,337 games. Kelly made four appearances in the postseason.

With Kelly's appointment, Bochy has completed the coaching staff for his second season with the Giants. New hitting instructor Carney Lansford will join holdovers Ron Wotus (bench coach), Dave Righetti (pitching coach), Tim Flannery (third base coach), Mark Gardner (bullpen coach) and Bill Hayes (bullpen catcher).