The Tampa Bay Rays have named Derek
Shelton as the team's new hitting coach.
"Derek has proven himself to be one of the better minds in baseball when it
comes to hitting," Rays executive vice president of baseball operations Andrew
Friedman said. "He brings a fresh voice that can help our talented core of
hitters reach new heights. His attention to detail and ability to communicate
will be great additions to our group."
The 39-year-old Shelton spent the past five seasons as hitting instructor for
the Cleveland Indians. He coached in Cleveland's organization for seven years,
also serving as hitting coordinator. Shelton had a six-season coaching tenure
with the New York Yankees, managing in the minor leagues and earning a pair
of league championships in 2001 and 2002.
The hiring of Shelton comes after it was announced earlier this month that
hitting coach Steve Henderson's contract would not be renewed. Henderson had
served as hitting instructor for the Rays since 2006.
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