Twins Select Baldelli as New Manager
October 25, 2018
The Minnesota Twins announced today that Rocco Baldelli will be their new manager in 2019. Although Baldelli has experience as a coach and major league field coordinator, this will be his first time in a managerial position.
Baldelli, the MLB Player
Rocco Baldelli was drafted by the Rays in 2000. He was a first round pick and selection number six overall. In 2002, he was named Baseball America's Minor League Player of the Year.
Baldelli joined the Rays in 2003, batting .289 with 184 hits, 32 doubles, 27 stolen bases, and 78 RBIs in 156 games. That season would prove to be his best season. Health issues would plague him for the rest of his short major league career. He missed the entire 2005 season, recovering from Tommy John surgery. His medical problems became so great in 2007 that his playing time was cut to just 35 games.
After being able to play in only 28 games in 2008, the Rays decided to not renew his contract. He signed with the Red Sox in 2009 and played in 62 games with them. The following year, he returned to the Rays, but he managed to play in only 10 games with them. He officially retired as a player on January 26, 2011, at the age of 29. His career numbers include 531 hits, 262 RBIs, and a .278 batting average in 519 games.
Post Playing Years
After retiring, the Rays hired Baldelli to work in their front office. In 2015, they hired him as the team's first base coach. This past year, he was the major league field coordinator for the Rays.
At age 37, Baldelli will be one of the youngest major league managers in 2019.