PawSox return with veteran coaching staff

PAWTUCKET – The Boston Red Sox yesterday announced personnel moves in the Player Development department, as well as 2016 field staffs for their minor league affiliates.

In the case of the Pawtucket Red Sox, the entire four-person on-field coaching who worked together last season is returning for an encore. Leading the way in the status quo initiative is Kevin Boles, who is returning for his third season as Pawtucket’s manager and his ninth season as a member of the Red Sox organization.

Boles has posted a 138-150 record in his first two seasons in the PawSox’ dugout. In 2014, Boles led Pawtucket to a 79–65 record, a wild-card playoff berth, and the fourth Governors' Cup championship in club history. Last year, the PawSox slumped to a 59-85 finish.

Rejoining Boles with the PawSox is Bruce Crabbe, who will serve as coach for his third year with the team, extending his tenure with the organization to 12 years.

Pitching coach Bob Kipper will return for his second year with Pawtucket and his 17th overall season with the organization, and Rich Gedman will continue with his second year as the PawSox hitting coach, his sixth season as a coach in the organization.

Jon Jochim enters his seventh season with the PawSox and first as senior athletic trainer, his 12th overall year with Red Sox affiliates. Joining the organization as Pawtucket’s strength and conditioning coach is Kirby Retzer. He previously served as strength coach for the High-A Fort Myers Miracle and the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League Twins in the Minnesota system.

Speaking of Kipper, he along outfielder Jackie Bradley Jr. will be at McCoy Stadium tonight and tomorrow as part of the PawSox’ inaugural “Moonlight Madness” and “Daylight Savings” events. Tonight’s chance to purchase single-game tickets for the upcoming season runs from 6-9 p.m. Tomorrow’s opportunity runs from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Both opportunities are free to the public.