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10/29/2009 6:15 PM ET
Nieto introduced as new Wings skipper
Cuellar returns as pitching coach, ex-Wing Rayford joins staff
Rochester Red Wings
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Photo Gallery from the Oct. 29 press conference
Video Clip from the Oct. 29 press conference
Tom Nieto was introduced today as manager of the Rochester Red Wings. The 49-year-old Nieto was the manager for Double-A New Britain in 2009.
Nieto will enter his 10th year as a minor league manager, his second in the Twins organization and
his first season in Triple-A. The 2010 season will mark his 19th year as a Major League coach, or
minor league manager/instructor. Nieto, a catcher, put together a seven-year Major League career
(1984-1990), including two seasons with the Twins (1987 & 1988). A 3rd round pick of the St.
Louis Cardinals in 1981, Nieto spent time with the St. Louis Cardinals (1984 & 1985), Montreal
Expos (1986), Minnesota Twins (1987 & 1988) and Philadelphia Phillies (1989 & 1990), batting
.205 with five home runs and 69 RBI in 251 Major League games.
Joining Nieto in the dugout will be Pitching Coach Bobby Cuellar and Hitting Coach Floyd Rayford .
Bobby Cuellar, 57, will return for his fifth season as the Red Wings pitching coach and 25th year
of instruction. Cuellar played 9 years of pro ball, appearing briefly in the majors with Texas in
1977, going 0-1 with a 1.29 ERA in four games. This is Cuellar’s sixth season as the Twins
Triple-A pitching coach. Cuellar was the Major League pitching coach for Seattle (1995-1996),
Montreal (1997-2000), and Texas (2001).
Floyd Rayford, 52, will begin his first season as the Red Wings hitting coach and his 11th year in the Minnesota Twins organization. Rayford, a long time Rochester fan favorite known as “Sugar Bear”, played for Rochester from 1980-1984, 1986 & 1987.
Tony Leo will return for his sixth season as the Red Wings trainer. Leo will be entering his 13th
season in the Minnesota Twins organization.
Quick Links:
Click here for the complete press release (pdf file) with more on Tom's baseball career
Tom's 2009 page at RockCats.com
Floyd's 2009 page at RockCats.com
2009 Rock Cats Team Stats at MiLB.com This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.
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