Grace among big league names added to Minors staff
Former All-Star promoted to Class A hitting coach; Nevin to manage Triple-A Reno
The D-backs announced their 2014 Minor League coaching staff on Friday, naming Mark Grace the Class A Hillsboro hitting coach and former Major Leaguer Phil Nevin as Triple-A Reno's manager.
Grace, who's best remembered by D-backs fans for starting the game-winning rally against Mariano Rivera in Game 7 of the 2001 World Series, was a Minor League hitting instructor last season. The former All-Star first baseman left his broadcasting job 16 months ago following a second DUI arrest and served a four-month sentence under a work-release program last spring.
Nevin is entering his sixth season as a manager and his 18th season of professional baseball. He spent the past four seasons in the Tigers system, compiling a 254-318 managerial record with Triple-A Toledo from 2011-13 and Double-A Erie in '10. He managed the independent Orange County Flyers in 2009.
The first overall pick in the 1992 First-Year Player Draft, Nevin hit .270 with 208 homers and 743 RBIs over 12 big league seasons with the Astros, Tigers, Angels, Padres, Rangers, Cubs and Twins.
D-backs director of player development Mike Bell also announced that Rob Ducey will serve as Rookie-level Missoula's hitting coach. This will be the 48-year-old's third season as a hitting coach after working with the Expos' Double-A club in 2004 and the Yankees' short-season Class A affiliate in '05. Ducey also served as a pro scout with the Rays in 2010 and the Blue Jays from 2006-09.
The former outfielder hit .242 with 31 homers and 146 RBIs in 703 games over 13 seasons with the Blue Jays, Angels, Rangers, Mariners, Phillies and Expos.
Former Minor League infielder Vince Harrison also joined the organization as the Rookie-level Arizona League's hitting coach.