Jul 5, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Tampa Bay Rays pitching coach Jim Hickey (48) walks off the field against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
New Tampa Bay Rays manager Kevin Cash has his coaching staff finalized for the 2015 season.
Third base coach Tom Foley has been promoted to bench coach, replacing the departed Dave Martinez.
Charlie Montoyo, who was the Durham Bulls’ coach the last eight seasons, replaces Foley as third base coach. Montoyo won a franchise record 633 games as Durham’s manager and guided the Bulls to seven South Division titles, a league-record six trips to the International League finals and two Governors’ Cups.
Former Ray Rocco Baldelli, who had been acting as the Rays’ special assistant to baseball operations, was named first base coach, replacing George Hendrick who accepted the role of special adviser to baseball operations.
Jim Hickey will return as pitching coach while Derek Shelton stays as hitting coach. Also returning are Stan Boroski (bullpen coach) and Jamie Nelson (major league coach).
"“I feel very fortunate to have inherited a staff that is both respected throughout baseball and knowledgeable of our players and the culture,” Cash said. “I am thrilled to have Tom as our bench coach. I have great respect for the role he has played in the organization from its inception and will lean on him for his experience and judgment.“In adding Charlie and Rocco, we have two men who combined have more than 30 years invested in this organization at many different levels and have great familiarity with our players. Both have meant a great deal to the Rays, and I am grateful they will be joining Jim, Derek, Jamie and Stan for what I feel is a great team.”"