Dunedin Blue Jays coaches ready to begin 2007 season
Published on February 15, 2007 under Florida State League (FSL1)
Dunedin Blue Jays News Release
Knology Park is buzzing with activity again as the Dunedin Blue Jays have begun training for the 2007 Florida State League season. While this year's squad will not be set until just before the April 5th opener, pitching coach Darold Knowles expects a competitive ball club. After reaching the playoffs in six of the last eight seasons, Knowles thinks Dunedin can reach the postseason again.
"There's been a lot of success at this level, here in Dunedin especially," he said. "We're going into it with the thought that we can win and I don't think there's any reason why we shouldn't."
The squad will be led by fourth year manager Omar Malave. With a 226-184 record (.551 winning percentage) Malave's first three seasons have been successful as the Blue Jays made the playoffs in each season. In 2006, Dunedin advanced to the Florida State League championship, where they were swept by St. Lucie.
2007 will be the second season for Knowles in Dunedin. Last season, Dunedin's pitchers had a 3.99 ERA under Knowles tutelage. Prior to joining the Blue Jays, Knowles was with the triple-A Indianapolis Indians in the Pittsburgh organization. He pitched for 15 years in the Majors, including appearing in all seven games of the 1973 World Series with Oakland.
In the single-A Florida State League, Knowles acknowledges each organization wants to make their players better, win or lose. But winning goes a long way to achieving player improvement.
"The Toronto organization I think primarily at this level, they're interested in developing players," he said. "But they're also aware of the fact that it's a lot easier to develop when you win."
The hitting coach again will be Paul Elliott who has coached in the Blue Jays organization since 1996. Last season, the Blue Jays led the Florida State League in eight offensive categories including batting average, slugging percentage, RBIs, and home runs. A native of Sydney, Australia, Elliott has also played for the Australian senior national baseball team and was a coach on the 2004 Australian Olympic team which won the silver medal in Athens.
For information on ticket sales or group packages, call the Blue Jays at 727-733-9302.
Florida State League Stories from February 15, 2007
- Dunedin Blue Jays coaches ready to begin 2007 season - Dunedin Blue Jays
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