Padres retain Black, but not bench coach Colbert
Sports Network | September 29, 2008
San Diego, CA (Sports Network) - The San Diego Padres announced Monday that manager Bud Black and the majority of his coaching staff will return in 2009, with the exception of bench coach Craig Colbert.
"We have the confidence and trust in Buddy to lead the club back to our winning ways," said Padres general manager Kevin Towers.
Bullpen coach Darrel Akerfelds, pitching coach Darren Balsley, third base coach Glenn Hoffman and first base coach Rick Renteria will all return for the 2009 season, despite a 63-99 finish on the heels of barely missing the playoffs in 2007.
The Padres finished 89-74 in Black's inaugural campaign in 2007, and lost a one-game playoff with the Colorado Rockies for the NL wild card.
Colbert, 43, was the bench coach for both seasons under Black. He was manager at several levels of San Diego's farm system since 2000.
"Craig has been a valuable member of the Padres organization for many years," said Towers. "We wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors."
"I am grateful to Kevin Towers and the Padres for the opportunities I have had in this organization," said Colbert. "I am very proud of my accomplishments as a player, coach and manager in my 14 years with the Padres organization."
