Murphy named new skipper for El Paso Chihuahuas

The Padres named a manager for their new affiliate on Tuesday.

Pat Murphy, who managed Triple-A Tucson for San Diego last year, will preside over the first season of the El Paso Chihuahuas in 2014. El Paso will play in the Triple-A Pacific Coast League, just like Tucson did, and Murphy will have the chance to hit the ground running in a new city.

"The El Paso Chihuahuas are fortunate to have a proven winner like Pat Murphy as the first manager in team history," El Paso general manager Brad Taylor said in a news release. "Pat's commitment and understanding of the team's role in our community is also a huge asset."

Murphy, formerly the coach at Arizona State University, has coached in San Diego's farm system for three seasons. The veteran manager led Tucson to a 77-67 record last season. Murphy managed rookie-level Eugene to the top record in the Northwest League in 2011 and '12.

Murphy, who also pitched in San Diego's organization during his brief playing career, first made his mark as a college coach. Murphy worked at Notre Dame and Arizona State and became one of just three college coaches to achieve 1,000 career wins before the age of 50.

"It is a great privilege to be part of a new beginning in El Paso professional baseball," Murphy said Tuesday in a news release. "I am really excited for the season and look forward to getting to know the El Paso community. It is a wonderful opportunity."

Former outfielder Jacque Jones, who spent a decade in the Major Leagues, will serve as hitting coach at El Paso. Jones presided over hitters at Double-A San Antonio last season. Mike Cather, formerly San Diego's Minor League pitching coordinator, will be El Paso's pitching coach.

Nathan Stewart will serve as El Paso's athletic trainer. Stewart has previously held that role in Eugene, Class A Fort Wayne, San Antonio and Tucson.