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10/23/2007 11:11 AM ET Twins announce 2008 Minor League staff assignments

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Stan Cliburn will begin his third year as manager of the Twins' Triple-A affiliate Rochester Red Wings (International League). Cliburn, 48, spent the five seasons managing the Twins' Class AA New Britain Rock Cats (2001-05). He has a 850-837 (.504) record during his 14 years of Minor League managerial experience, 587-543 (.519) with the Twins. Stuart Cliburn will return for his third year as pitching coach and Riccardo Ingram will begin his first Triple-A season as coach, after spending the last two seasons as the manager of Double-A New Britain. Rich Miller, who spent the last four seasons as Rochester's hitting coach, will begin his first season as a Roving Instructor between Rochester and New Britain, specializing in outfield play, bunting and baserunning. Tony Leo will return for his fourth season as trainer for the Red Wings.

Bobby Cuellar will begin his first year as manager of the Twins' Double-A affiliate New Britain Rock Cats (Eastern League), after spending the past two seasons as the Pittsburgh Pirates' bullpen coach. Cuellar was the Twins' Triple-A pitching coach from 2002-05. Cuellar, 55, has a 130-149 (.466) record during his two years of managerial experience with Wausau (1986-87). Steve Mintz will begin his first year as pitching coach, after serving in the same capacity for Single-A Beloit last season and for the GCL Twins from 2002-05. Floyd Rayford returns for his fourth season as a coach at the Double-A level, his ninth season in the Twins' system. Chad Jackson will return for his fourth season as trainer for the Rock Cats.

Jeff Smith will begin his first year as manager of the Twins' Single-A affiliate Ft. Myers Miracle (Florida State League). Smith, 33, spent the past two seasons as manager of the Beloit Snappers, the Twins' Single-A affiliate (Midwest League). He has a 153-125 (.550) record during his two years of Minor League managerial experience. Eric Rasmussen will begin his 10th season as pitching coach and Jim Dwyer will begin his third year as a coach at Ft. Myers, after spending the previous nine as minor league hitting coordinator. Larry Bennese returns for his ninth season as trainer for the Miracle.

Nelson Prada will begin his first year as manager of the Twins' Single-A affiliate Beloit Snappers (Midwest League). Prada, 31, spent the previous four seasons as manager of the GCL Twins. He has a 91-72 (.558) record during his three years of Minor League managerial experience. Gary Lucas will begin his second stint (2005) as pitching coach after spending the past two seasons as pitching coach for Double-A New Britain. Rudy Hernandez will begin his fourth season as a coach with Beloit. Alan Rail will return for his fourth season as trainer with the Snappers.

Ray Smith returns as manager for the rookie level Elizabethton Twins (Appalachian League). Smith, 52, who will be in his 22nd season on staff for Elizabethton, has a career managerial record of 579-365 (.613), with eight first place finishes in 14 seasons guiding the Twins. Jim Shellenback will begin his 13th season as pitching coach, his 31st year in the Twins' system, and Jeff Reed will return for his seventh season as a coach. Ryan Hedwall returns for his third season as trainer for Elizabethton.

Jake Mauer will begin his first season as manager of the rookie level Gulf Coast League Twins and will also run the Twins' extended Spring Training. Mauer, 28, spent the last two seasons as a coach for the GCL Twins after playing five seasons in the Twins' Minor League system. Ivan Arteaga will begin his third season as pitching coach. Milt Cuyler returns for his sixth season as a coach, specializing in baserunning and outfield play. Chris Johnson returns for his third season as trainer for the GCL Twins.

In addition, Joel Lepel, returns for his third year as the Twins' minor league field coordinator. Rick Knapp returns for his 12th year as pitching coordinator and Bill Springman returns for his third season as hitting coordinator. John Kertis returns for his second season as minor league strength and conditioning coordinator and Lanning Tucker returns for his 10th season as the club's head minor league trainer and rehab coordinator. Jose Marzan returns for his third season as the Twins' Latin America coordinator, overseeing Latin America scouting and international field coordinating. Also, former Twins' great Tony Oliva will continue in his role as hitting coach, as well as various duties involving community relations, former Manager Tom Kelly will continue in his role as Special Assistant the the General Manager, and Hall of Famer Paul Molitor will continue in his role as Minor League Infield/Baserunning Coordinator.

The Twins also announced the coaching staff for their academies in the Dominican Republic (Julio Paula, mgr., Pablo Frias, pitching ch., Claudio Almonte, ch, and Joselin Carrera, trainer) and Venezuela (Asdrubal Estrada, mgr., Luis Ramirez, pitching ch., Ramon Borrego, ch., and Wladimir Morales, trainer).

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