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MLB

Rockies announce 2009 minor league staff

By
11:25 AM EST

The Colorado Rockies announced their minor league staff and coordinators on Tuesday for the 2009 season. Candler resident and three-time manager of the year Joe Mikulik will be back for his tenth season as skipper of the Tourists. Mikulik will be flanked by hitting coach Houston Jimenez and first-year Tourists pitching coach Dave Schuler.

Mikulik has been a mainstay and figurehead in Asheville since the 2000 season. The Texas native led the Tourists to the postseason in 2008, winning the first-half championship with a 46-24 record.

"I'm thrilled to be back in Asheville for next season," Mikulik said. "It should be an exciting time especially being able to work with Dave (Schuler). Him and I worked together in the past and know how each other click. I am looking forward to next season, I think we will have a good group coming in."

Under Mikulik last season the Tourists sent seven representatives to the All-Star game and boasted the league MVP Darrin Holcomb. Mikulik's 2008 accomplishments earned him his second consecutive Manager of the Year award in the South Atlantic League. In his tenure as manager, Mikulik has posted a record of 644-598 with two playoff appearances and five winning seasons.

"The strong coaching staff has been one of the main reasons why the Tourists have been so successful over the past decade," Assistant General Manager Chris Smith said." It is the coaching experience that has allowed Asheville to push a strong core of players to the majors."

Replacing Doug Linton as pitching coach this season will be the experienced Dave Schuler. Linton was promoted to the High-A Modesto Nuts in the California league after steering the Tourists pitching staff to a 3.54 team era. Schuler joins the club after one year with the short season Tri-City Dust Devils. Schuler brings over 17 years of coaching experience, working with the Orioles minor league clubs the Delmarva Shorebirds and Bowie Baysox. Schuler pitched parts of three seasons in the major leagues with California and Atlanta.

Houston Jimenez rejoins the team after a successful first season in Asheville. Under Jimenez the Tourists finished second in the league in batting with a .271 team average. Jimenez spent parts of four seasons in the major leagues with Minnesota, Detroit, Pittsburg and Cleveland. The native of Mexico City is also member of the Mexican Hall of Fame.

The Tourists begin the 2009 season on the road at Kannapolis before their home opener on April 13th against Greensboro.

For more information about season tickets, mini-plans and all premium seating at McCormick Field, contact the Tourists front office at (828) 258-0428.