Curve decide to overhaul coaching staff
Tim Leiper has been named manager of the Eastern League Pirates affiliate, who reached the playoffs in each of the past three seasons. Leiper takes over for Tony Beasley, who accepted a position in the New York Yankees Minor League system after leading the Curve to a 76-66 mark in 2005. This coming season will be Leiper's second as a skipper within the Pirates system. In 2005, he piloted the Class A Advanced Lynchburg Hillcats to a 78-62 record and a Carolina League playoff berth.
Leiper brings a wealth of experience to his new post, having been involved in professional baseball for 22 seasons. The 39-year-old posted a .273 average over 12 Minor League campaigns before retiring in 1995. His managerial career began with the New York-Penn League's Vermont Expos in 2000, and has also included stints with Jupiter (2001), Ottawa (2002, 2004) and Sarasota (2003).
Joining Leiper in the Curve dugout will be pitching coach Ray Searage and hitting coach Brandon Moore. Searage replaces Jeff Andrews, who received a promotion to Triple-A Indianapolis, while Moore takes over for Matt Winters, who accepted a scouting assignment in Japan.
Searage compiled an 11-13 record with 11 saves and a 3.50 ERA over seven Major League seasons with the Mets (1981), Brewers (1984-86), White Sox (1986-87) and Dodgers (1989-90). He has spent the previous 12 campaigns as a Minor League pitching coach or coordinator, including the past four within the Pittsburgh organization.
Moore rounds out the triumvirate of new Curve coaches. The 33-year-old hitting coach was drafted by the White Sox in the 17th round of the 1994 draft, and played for seven years in the Chisox organization. Like Leiper, Moore spent 2005 with Lynchburg, where he guided Hillcat batters to a Carolina League-leading .282 average.
Altoona's new coaching staff will make its debut when the Curve open the 2006 season on April 6 against the Trenton Thunder.