Steve Scarsone, a former major-league infielder who managed the Oakland A's Double-A affiliate in Midland the past two seasons, will be the next manager of the Sacramento River Cats, the A's announced.
Scarsone, 46, will become the fifth manager in River Cats history. He replaces Darren Bush, who was named Oakland's bullpen coach last month after guiding the River Cats to back-to-back division titles.
It will be Scarsone's fifth season managing in the A's system. He spent 2009 at Single-A Kane County and 2010 at High-A Stockton before managing Midland from 2011-12, compiling a total record of 277-281. Scarsone also managed two years in the Arizona Diamondbacks' system from 2001-02.
"The Oakland Athletics are pleased to promote Steve to Sacramento after exhibiting outstanding leadership and development skills at the minor league level," Keith Lieppman, the A's director of player development, said in a statement.
"He not only has shown good leadership qualities as a manager but also is a proven teacher and instructor. We believe he will carry on in the fine tradition of the outstanding young managers that have led the River Cats throughout their history."
The A's also announced that Rick Rodriguez, the bullpen coach in Oakland the past two seasons, will rejoin the River Cats as pitching coach. Rodriguez held that role in Sacramento from 2000-02 and 2004-10. Scott Emerson, the River Cats' pitching coach since 2011, was named the A's minor-league roving pitching instructor.
Greg Sparks will return for his second season as the River Cats' hitting coach.
Scarsone hit .239 in parts of seven major-league seasons as a utility infielder, including four with the San Francisco Giants from 1993-96.
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