MWL1 Fort Wayne TinCaps

Ready returns to lead Wizards

Published on November 3, 2004 under Midwest League (MWL1)
Fort Wayne TinCaps News Release


Fort Wayne, IN – For the first time since their affiliation with San Diego, the Wizards will have the same manager in the dugout for the 2005 season as the Padres' announced that Randy Ready will return to lead Fort Wayne.

Ready guided the Wizards to their second consecutive playoff appearance in 2004 when Fort Wayne went 15-5 over it's final 20 games, 9-1 in the last 10 and completing a four-game regular season series sweep against the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers to secure a spot in the postseason. The Wizards finished 72-68 overall and placed a franchise-record seven players in the Midwest League All-Star game.

Ready played 13 years in the major leagues and was with the Milwaukee Brewers, San Diego Padres, Philadelphia Phillies, Oakland A's and Montreal Expos systems.

"It is very exciting to have Randy return for the 2005 season," said Mike Nutter, General Manager for the Wizards. "For the first time during our partnership with the Padres, we have a manager returning and knowing exactly what to expect in this league. Randy is a great leader and baseball guy that will have his team prepared to play."

Webber was instrumental in leading the pitching staff to the league's fifth-best 3.77 earned run average. The Wizards pitching staff led the Midwest league with 1,185 strikeouts and was anchored by closer Leo Rosales, the Midwest League winner of the Rolaids Relief Man award. Rosales was 6-1 with 26 saves and 66 strikeouts in 57 2/3 innings.

Webber was a member of the New York Yankees organization before joining the Padres system last year. He was also an NCAA baseball coach of the year after leading the Georgia Bulldogs to a College World Series title in 1990.

"Steve Webber returning is another great thing for our organization," Nutter added. "We are talking about a guy with phenomenal college and professional experience. He also has the desire to teach and coach our players to succeed."

Venable is a 12-year veteran of the major leagues and served as the Dayton Dragons hitting coach in 2004. The Dragons finished the year hitting .236 as a team. Venable was a member of the Cincinnati Reds, San Francisco Giants, Montreal Expos and California Angels. Venable spent four years with the Atlanta Braves minor league system, including two as a manager. He lives in San Rafael, California with his wife Molly and their three children Will, Morgan and Winston.

"Our entire staff is looking forward to working with Max," Nutter said. "He certainly brings a great playing and coaching resume to the Wizards. Also, the fact that he was a coach in Dayton last season shows that he already knows a lot about the Midwest League."

Navarro was also named as the trainer for the 2005 season. Navarro replaced former trainer Brian Komprood prior to the 2004 season. Navarro spent three seasons with the Idaho Falls Padres in the Pioneer League.

"All of the guys did an outstanding job last year," Padres' Director of Player Development, Tye Waller said. "The team never gave up. Randy did a great job of creating a productive environment. We're excited to have he and Steve back for a second year. Max is a welcomed addition. He understands what it takes to develop young players."

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Midwest League Stories from November 3, 2004


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.

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