Roenicke's son converts to coaching in Crew's system

MILWAUKEE -- The son of Brewers manager Ron Roenicke is following dad into the coaching ranks.

Lance Roenicke, 25, was informed at the end of Spring Training that the Brewers didn't have a spot for him in their Minor League system, which is relatively rich with outfielders. But farm director Reid Nichols offered him an opportunity to be a player/coach at Class A Wisconsin, with no plans to play unless the Timber Rattlers find themselves in a bind.

After discussing it with his dad, Lance accepted the job. Manager Matt Erickson's team is scheduled to open its season at home on Thursday, weather permitting.

"If he wants to do it, he's going to be a really good coach," Ron Roenicke said. "He knows where I was, going all over the country, and I don't know if that's going to be [what he wants]. But he would like to coach high school or college. If he loves this, maybe he'll do this."

Lance Roenicke was a 25th-round pick of the Brewers in the 2012 First-Year Player Draft and topped out last season at Class A Advanced Brevard County. He batted .243 with seven home runs and 41 RBIs in 123 Minor League games in 2012 and '13.

"After the first day, he started talking a little bit more, and then a couple of days later, he was really appreciative of having the opportunity to play professionally," Ron Roenicke said. "That was his dream. You put all this time and work into doing it, and he got the opportunity to do it a couple of years, so it was great."