Angels restructure Minor League staffs: Johnson to manage Quakes in '09
January 23, 2009 - Midwest League (MWL1)
Cedar Rapids Kernels News Release
Keith Johnson, the Kernels' manager last season who was originally scheduled to return to Cedar Rapids in 2009, has been selected to take over the managerial position at the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes. An announcement on the Kernels' new manager will be forthcoming.
The restructuring of the Angels' minor league field staffs became necessary after longtime Angels' Field Coordinator Bruce Hines took a position with the Seattle Mariners. Former Kernels hitting coach Eric Owens, who had initially been tabbed to manage the Quakes, has been named the Angels roving instructor for outfield, bunting and base running, and Johnson has been assigned to take Owens' spot in Rancho Cucamonga.
Johnson posted a 72-66 record and led the team to the MWL Western Division finals, where they lost to the 2008 MWL Champion Burlington Bees. He will be introduced as Rancho's new manager at the Quakes Hot Stove Benefit Gala this Sunday.
The Angels are in the process of finding a manager for the Kernels, but no firm date has been set for this announcement. The remainder of the Kernels field staff will remain as previously announced: Brandon Emanuel, pitching coach; Brent Del Chiaro, hitting coach; and Dan Nichols, athletic trainer.
The Cedar Rapids Kernels open the 2009 season against the Beloit Snappers on Thursday, April 9 at 6:35 pm. Season tickets and 10-game coupon books are on sale now at www.kernels.com The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
Midwest League Stories from January 23, 2009
