The Cleveland Indians today announced the club has named MARK BUDZINSKI and BRIAN SWEENEY to the Major League coaching staff.
Budzinski, 44, has spent the last four seasons managing in the Indians Player Development system, guiding the 2017 Double-A Akron RubberDucks after stints in Single-A Lynchburg and Lake County. Budzinski played seven seasons in the Indians organization from 1995-2001 and enjoyed an 11-year professional career (1994-2005), including four games at the Major League level in 2003 with the Cincinnati Reds. The Richmond, VA native was a member of 2001 Team USA World Cup squad managed by Terry Francona. As Major League Coach, he will support the coaching staff in all facets of advance preparation, player performance and on-field pre-game work. In addition, he will assist any in-game needs for players and staff and provide a support role to players transitioning to Cleveland from the Player Development system.
Sweeney, 43, joins the Indians organization after two seasons in the Philadelphia Phillies Player Development system, spending the 2017 season as the Pitching Coach for the Class-A Lakewood BlueClaws. The Yonkers, NY native pitched professionally for 19 seasons (1995-2013), including 73 games at the Major League level from 2003-2010 around a three-year stint in Japan. As Major League Coach, Sweeney will assist the staff and players with the club's advance scouting process, disseminates advance content and provide analysis of upcoming opponents in addition to assisting the Carl Willis and Scott Atchison with the club's pitchers.