Post by zpustka on Nov 7, 2007 16:50:14 GMT -5
The Rangers hired former Major League catcher Matt Walbeck as their third-base coach on Wednesday.
Walbeck will replace Don Wakamatsu, who left the organization to become the Oakland Athletics third-base coach. He will also handle the catching instruction duties.
Walbeck led the Erie Seawolves to an 81-59 record and a first-place finish in the Southern Division of the Eastern League before losing to Akron in the semifinals. Prior to that, he had managed the West Michigan Whitecaps for three years, winning the Midwest League championship in 2004 and 2006. He was Manager of the Year in both 2006 and 2007.
He spent all or part of 11 seasons in the Major Leagues with the Cubs, Tigers, Angels, Phillies and Twins, playing a total of 682 games. His hiring completes the Rangers 2008 coaching staff.
Walbeck will replace Don Wakamatsu, who left the organization to become the Oakland Athletics third-base coach. He will also handle the catching instruction duties.
Walbeck led the Erie Seawolves to an 81-59 record and a first-place finish in the Southern Division of the Eastern League before losing to Akron in the semifinals. Prior to that, he had managed the West Michigan Whitecaps for three years, winning the Midwest League championship in 2004 and 2006. He was Manager of the Year in both 2006 and 2007.
He spent all or part of 11 seasons in the Major Leagues with the Cubs, Tigers, Angels, Phillies and Twins, playing a total of 682 games. His hiring completes the Rangers 2008 coaching staff.