Crosscutters announce 2008 staff
Philadelphia Phillies announced that Dusty Wathan, 34, will manage the Cutters in '08. It will mark his first year as a manager after 14 years as a professional player. Wathan began his pro baseball career in 1994 as a non-drafted free agent by the Seattle Mariners. The former catcher and first baseman also spent time in the Marlins, Padres, Brewers, Royals, Indians and Phillies organizations.
He played in a total of 1,019 Minor League games compiling a batting average of .273 with 58 home runs and 417 RBI. He played a total of 3 games in the Major Leagues with the Kansas City Royals in 2002. Wathan spent the 2007 season with the Ottawa Lynx (Triple-A Phillies) hitting .272 in 75 games and is the son of former Royals catcher and manager John Wathan.
Reflecting on his new position, Wathan stated, "I'm looking forward to turning the page in my career. I've always wanted the opportunity to manage and after 14 years of playing professionally I thought the time was right. I'm really looking forward to being a part of the Williamsport Crosscutters".
The Cutters hitting coach in '08 will be Eric Valent, another newcomer to the coaching ranks. Valent, 30, was a Phillies first-round draft choice (supplemental phase) in 1995 and played parts of five seasons in the Major Leagues with the Phillies, Reds and Mets.
Rounding out the staff will be pitching coach Bill Bliss, 38, who returns for his second season in Williamsport and his third as a coach in the Phillies organization. Under Bliss, the 2007 Williamsport pitching staff ranked 4th in the New York-Penn League with an ERA of 3.55.
Williamsport's manager in 2007, Greg Legg will spend the '08 season as a coach for the Lakewood Blueclaws, the Phillies Class A affiliate.
All of the Williamsport coaching staff is expected to attend the Cutters Hot Stove Banquet on January 17 at the Genetti Hotel. Tickets are available by calling (570) 326-3389.