RoughRiders announce 2009 coaching staff

The Frisco RoughRiders will have a completely new coaching staff for the 2009 season led by new Manager Mike Micucci. Other additions to the staff will be Joe Slusarski (pitching coach), Brant Brown (hitting coach), Chris Gorosics (Trainer), and Luke Chichetto (Strength and Conditioning Coach).

Micucci, 36, becomes the fifth full-time manager of the RoughRiders organization, which also marks his first managerial job at the Double-A level or higher. For the past three seasons, Micucci has managed in the Texas Rangers' farm system, including the past two seasons with the Clinton LumberKings of the Midwest League. Before coming to the Rangers' minor league system, Micucci was a hitting coach for six seasons within the Cubs' farm system. Micucci was drafted in the 51st round by the Chicago Cubs in 1994 out of Montclair (NJ) State and spent six seasons playing professionally in the Cubs' organization.

Joe Slusarski, 42, most recently served as a pitching coach in the Houston organization, including stints with Round Rock (2003-04) and Corpus Christi (2005-06).  A former major leaguer, Slusarski was a second round selection in the 1988 June draft after a standout career at the University of New Orleans.

Brant Brown, 37, was promoted to the Frisco staff after 2 seasons at Bakersfield. Brown spent most of his big league career with the Chicago Cubs.