Quakes announce managerial change

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif. -- Former Padres and Angels outfielder Eric Owens, who had originally been named as the Quakes' manager in 2009, has been selected as the new roving outfield, bunting and baserunning coordinator for the Angels farm system. As a result of the Angels' Minor League restructuring, Keith Johnson, who led the Cedar Rapids Kernels in 2008, will now take over the reins as the new Quakes' manager in 2009.

Johnson begins his sixth season within the Angels' organization and his second as manager. He spent the 2008 season at the helm of the Cedar Rapids Kernels guiding them to a 72-66 record and to the Midwest League Divisional Finals. Johnson had spent the previous four years as the hitting coach in Arkansas ('06 and '07), Orem ('05), and Mesa ('04) prior to his time with Cedar Rapids. He was named interim manager of the Arkansas Travelers during the 2006 season when Ty Boykin took a leave of absence and his squad went 11-21. Johnson played professionally as an infielder with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Arizona Diamondbacks and Anaheim Angels, and he made his Major League debut in 2000 with the Angels against the Toronto Blue Jays. He collected two hits in four big league at-bats. Johnson was originally drafted by the Dodgers in 1992 out of University of Pacific.

Bruce Hines, a 23-year Angels organizational veteran and roving field coordinator, took the third base coaching job with the Seattle Mariners, leaving a vacancy in the development department. Todd Takayoshi, who has been the roving hitting coordinator for the last two seasons, will maintain his spot as the hitting coordinator and will assume the duties left behind by Hines, as well. Takayoshi was the Quakes hitting coach during the 2003 season.

The Angels organization is in the process of filling the manager spot in Cedar Rapids. No timetable has been set for that announcement.

The remainder of the Quakes' field staff, which was previously announced, will stay intact. Dan Ricabal will be the pitching coach, Damon Mashore the hitting coach and Mike Metcalfe the athletic trainer.

The Rancho Cucamonga Quakes are the Class A Advanced affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. For ticket information, please call the Quakes front office at (909) 481-5000. The Quakes 2009 home opener is scheduled for Monday, April 13 against the Visalia Rawhide at 7:05 p.m.

Keith Johnson Career Managerial Record
2006 -- Arkansas, 11-21 (Interim)
2008 -- Cedar Rapids, 72-66 (Playoff appearance)