Boston Red Sox Announce 2008 Coaching Staff for California League Affiliate Lancaster JetHawks

MLN Newswire - www.mlntherawfeed.com –

(LANCASTER, CA) – The Lancaster JetHawks, Class A affiliate of the World Champion Boston Red Sox, announced today that 2007 California League Manager of the Year Chad Epperson will return for his second season with the JetHawks in 2008. Epperson will be joined by Pitching Coach Mike Griffin and Hitting Coach Carlos Febles, both beginning their first stints in Lancaster. In addition, reigning California League Trainer of the Year Jon Jochim will also be returning to Lancaster next season.

Epperson, who enters his fifth season as a manager in the Boston organization, led the JetHawks to the California League’s best regular season record in 2007, finishing the campaign at 83 – 57 and capturing both the first and second half South Division titles. In his managerial career, Epperson has posted an overall record of 288 – 267 (.518) and led his clubs to two post-seasons.

During his time with the Boston organization, the Florida native has managed several current major league stars who contributed to the Red Sox World Series sweep of Colorado in October. Among those on the Red Sox roster, Epperson has played a part in the development of 2007 American League Rookie of the Year Dustin Pedroia, outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury and rookie sensation Clay Bucholz, who tossed a no-hitter in his second Major League start in September.

Griffin, who served as Pitching Coach for the last six seasons at AAA Pawtucket and enters his tenth season in the Boston organization, comes to Lancaster for his first stint in the California League. The California native graduated from Woodland High School and was drafted by the Texas Rangers in 1976. He pitched 14 years of professional baseball, including parts of six seasons at the Major League level with the New York Yankees, Chicago Cubs, San Diego Padres and Cincinnati Reds. In 67 appearances, he was 7-15 with a 4.60 ERA. Griffin worked in the Reds organization from 1990 – 1998, including three years as the organization’s pitching coordinator. As pitching coach in the Reds organization, four of his teams captured league championships.

Febles joins the JetHawks after working in Lowell as a coach for the 2007 season. The El Siebo, Dominican Republic native spent six years at the big league level with the Kansas City Royals after signing with the club in 1993. In over 500 games with Kansas City, Febles hit .250 with 24 homeruns from 1998 – 2003. 

In addition to the coaching staff, JetHawks trainer Jon Jochim returns for his second year in Lancaster. The 2007 California League Trainer of the Year enters his sixth season in the Boston organization, having spent time previously with Lowell and the Gulf Coast League Red Sox.

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