Steinmann takes LumberKings reins
Former Major League pitcher Lance Painter will guide the club's pitching staff, ex-Minor League infielder Eddie Menchaca will serve as the team's hitting coach and trainer Eduardo Tamez enters his second season in the organization.
Steinmann spent three years as a catcher in the Mariners system before joining the coaching ranks. He captured a Midwest League Division title with the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers in 2005, managed at Class A Advanced High Desert in '07 and guided Double-A West Tenn to the Southern League playoffs a year ago.
Painter served as pitching coach in Wisconsin in '06 and '07 before holding the same position at High Desert last year. Painter pitched for Colorado, St. Louis, Toronto and Milwaukee during a 10-year career in the big leagues. The University of Wisconsin alum retired in '03 after a second stint with the Cardinals with a record of 25-18 and a 4.82 ERA in 314 games, including 28 starts.
Menchaca enters his second season as a coach in the Mariners organization after beginning a stint with Peoria last year. Menchaca played five seasons in the Minors, playing for Triple-A Tacoma and Double-A San Antonio in '05.
Tamez served as the trainer in High Desert last season after three seasons in the Texas Rangers system.