The York Revolution announced a move that has been in the works for a couple weeks. York named longtime Baltimore Orioles bullpen catcher Sam Snider its hitting coach.
Snider comes to York via Lancaster.
York wanted Snider because of his close relationship with Revolution manager Chris Hoiles. During a 27-year career with the Orioles, Snider and Hoiles became close friends. The Revolution, however, didn't have an immediate coaching opening. So the Barnstormers hired him in December.
But when hitting and third base coach Ryan Minor returned to the Orioles organization in January -- it became apparent Snider would make a better fit in York.
To fill Snider's absence in Lancaster, the Barnstormers hired former major leaguer Boots Day.
After talking with Hoiles about Snider and the Revs ... Hoiles offered some views on the 2008 squad.
1. The Revolution could still make a few splashes during the offseason. York needs more pitching and perhaps one more big bat.
2. The decision to go with more veteran pitchers isn't necessarily a philosophy. Many of the major leaguers approached Revolution Director of Baseball Operations Adam Gladstone in the offseason. That said, Hoiles is confident with the five former major leaguers (Wayne Franklin, Pete Munro, Aaron Myette, Corey Thurman and Dave Veres) York signed.
"On the pitching side," Hoiles said, "we're very qualified."
3. Always concerned with his defense up the middle, Hoiles is satisfied with the 2008 roster. He has options and can shift Keoni De Renne and Kenny Perez around the infield, but he likes the solid setup Gladstone has assembled.
C -- (platoon) Sandy Aracena, Luis Taveras
2B -- Keoni De Renne
SS -- Kenny Perez
CF -- Travis Ezi, Kazu Tanaka (if needed)
2008 Roster
thru March 17
Sandy Aracena, C
Jason Aspito, OF
Keoni De Renne, INF
Matt Dryer, INF
Matt Esquivel, OF
Travis Ezi, OF
Wayne Franklin*, LHP (closer)
Kevin Kotch, C
Pete Munro, RHP
Aaron Myette*, RHP
Kenny Perez, INF
Reid Price, LHP
Kazunori Tanaka, OF
Luis Taveras, C
Corey Thurman*, RHP
Dave Veres*, RHP (reliever)
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