Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow announced Wednesday four new additions to the organization, including a new bench coach.
Joe Pettini will take over for Al Pedrique as Houston's bench coach after serving the last 10 seasons in the same role with the St. Louis Cardinals under the direction of manager Tony LaRussa
The former San Francisco Giants infielder was part of seven postseason teams with St. Louis, including two World Series championships.
"Joe has been a critical part of the success in St. Louis for the past 10 years as the bench coach and prior to that as a minor league manager and field coordinator," Luhnow said Wednesday.
"His experience will help us immediately."
Pedrique, who has served as Brad Mills' bench coach over the last two seasons, will pursue other opportunities in the game.
He spent the last nine seasons in the Astros organization as a minor league manager, field coordinator, special assistant and coach.
"We thank Al [Pedrique] for his contributions to the Astros organization and wish him the best in the future," Luhnow said.
Matt Sinatro (Major League catching and advance scouting coordinator), Dan Radison (special assistant to the general manager/player development), as well as Mike Elias (special assistant to the general manager/scouting) were also hired by Houston.
Sinatro, a former MLB catcher, was the first-base coach for the Cubs from 2007-09 and a special assistant to manager Lou Piniella in 2010.
He has experience as a major league catching instructor, in addition to 11 seasons as a bullpen coach at the big league level.
"Matt has three decades of baseball experience and should improve our advance scouting efforts with vast experience," Luhnow said.
Radison served as the Nationals' first-base coach over the last two seasons and will bring 30 years of experience to Houston.
He was the Cardinals' minor league hitting coordinator for three seasons (2007-09) and spent five seasons (1995-99) as the Cubs' first and third-base coach under manager Jim Riggleman.
Also, Radison served as the first-base coach for the Padres from 1993-94 and spent 12 years in the minor leagues as a manager.
"Dan has decades of experience as a manager, coach and scout across all levels with multiple organizations," Luhnow said. "He understands what it takes to find and develop major league players."
Elias, a former left-handed pitcher at Yale University, worked for St. Louis over the past five seasons under the guidance of Luhnow.
He originally started out as an area scout and later became the club's manager of amateur scouting with crosschecking duties.
"Mike is an up-and-coming baseball executive with playing and scouting experience," Luhnow said. "He has an eye for talent."
For the latest Astros news, click on the Subscribe button at the top of the page. Also, be sure to follow Houston Astros Examiner Stephen Goff on Facebook and Twitter, or email sgoff80@yahoo.com.
Comments