Baseball Overhaul - the Organization
June 21, 2022 - Pioneer League (PL)
Rocky Mountain Vibes News Release
Colorado Springs, Colo. - The Rocky Mountain Vibes made a series of moves to bolster the team after a slow start to the season. The team made a flurry of moves on Tuesday, revamping the roster, coaching staff, and organizational structure.
The Vibes will now have control of player transactions, being able to dip into the Monclova system and sign their own players the same way other Pioneer League teams can. Heading the new baseball operations department is UCCS head coach Dave Hajek, who will continue his duties at UCCS but also take on the duties of forming the Vibes roster for the remainder of the 2022 season. Hajek originally was hired in 2021 to be the manager but withdrew from the role once the development agreement with Monclova was signed.
"I am happy and honored to be back to UCHealth Park with a role that directly influences the performance and play on the field," says Hajek. "Myself and the entire Vibes front office want to win, and that's exactly what these moves are going to do for us. I'm very excited to retain some of the high-level talent from Monclova while also be able to bring in talent from outside the organization."
Hajek will not only be in charge of roster moves but will take on a coaching role as part of a new staff. Joe Mikulik was hired to be the new manager of the Vibes. Mikulik boasts an 11-year Minor League playing career and is most notable for his coaching in Asheville and Frisco where he served as manager for both clubs. He spent the 2021 season as hitting coach for the Grand Junction Rockies. Mike Garcia returns as Vibes pitching coach, the same role he had in 2021.
Jailen Peguero will be retained on the coaching staff and will move to bullpen coach.
At a record of 4-19 the Vibes are on the outside looking in on a first-half championship but have their sights set on a playoff spot in the second half of the season.
"We are positioned well for a run in the second half," says Rocky Mountain Vibes President and General Manager Chris Jones. "We still have a player development agreement with Monclova, but this now gives us access to a lot more talent without as many restrictions. So we are moving to more of a hybrid agreement where we can still have good young players from the Monclova system, but with the ability to supplement the roster with players from around the [United States] like the other Pioneer League teams are able to. This allows us to be a much more competitive ballclub."
The Vibes begin a two-game series away against the Northern Colorado Owlz starting tonight, then return home to face the Owlz in a weekend series starting June 24. For tickets, call the box office at (719) 597-1449 or visit the website at vibesbaseball.com
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Pioneer League Stories from June 21, 2022
- Rocky Mountain Rains Down Runs to Snap Owlz' Streak - Northern Colorado Owlz
- Baseball Overhaul - the Roster - Rocky Mountain Vibes
- Baseball Overhaul - the Organization - Rocky Mountain Vibes
- Vibes Re-Hire Dave Hajek as Director of Player Personnel - Rocky Mountain Vibes
- Jalen Garcia Named Pioneer League North Division Player of the Week - Billings Mustangs
- Pioneer League Announces "PBL Players of the Week" for Week 4 - PL
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.
