P.J. Forbes resigns as Rancho Cucamonga manager, Bill Haselman to lead Quakes

LOS ANGELES -- The Dodgers saw a shake-up in their minor league coaching ranks, announcing on Monday that Advanced Class-A Rancho Cucamonga manager P.J. Forbes resigned his position last week.

Bill Haselman, who was slated to manage at Class-A Great Lakes for a second season, will now manage the Quakes, leaving a temporary vacancy with the Loons.

It is unknown what Forbes will do next. The Loons noted that Forbes retired, while the Dodgers and Quakes only said he resigned, with Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider citing "family reasons" for Forbes leaving.

"While we wish P.J. and his family all the best, we now look forward to welcoming Bill Haselman to Rancho Cucamonga," said Rancho Cucamonga vice president and general manager Grant Riddle. "We're familiar with Bill from his earlier time in the league and we're excited to get him in a Quakes' jersey and welcome him to the Quakes' family."

Forbes, 47, managed for 11 minor league seasons, including time in the Phillies and Pirates systems before joining the Dodgers organization in two years ago. Forbes led the Arizona League Dodgers to a division title in 2013, and was 65-75 with Rancho Cucamonga in 2014.

"P.J. was a tremendous asset to the organization both as a manager and more importantly as a human being. Our entire player development department will miss his presence and contributions in 2015 and beyond," said Dodgers director of player development Gabe Kapler. "We wish him extraordinary success in whatever and whoever he touches next."

Haselman, who turns 49 in May, is in his second season managing in the Dodgers system, after guiding Great Lakes to a 66-73 mark in 2014. He has previous experience in the California League, having managed Bakersfield (a Rangers affiliate) in 2010 and Inland Empire in 2012-2013 prior to joining the Dodgers.

For now, the Loons are without a manager. It figures to be a pivotal position of development for the organization, with pitcher Grant Holmes and outfielder Alex Verdugo - the Dodgers' top two picks in the 2014 draft - likely slated for Great Lakes in 2015, with catcher Julian Leon, first baseman Cody Bellinger and pitcher Jose De Leon figured to see time in the Midwest League this year, too.

"We are actively mining the right fit for our open Midwest League managerial position and will carefully select a staff member devoted to building stronger men," Kapler said. "Powerful communication skills, flexibility of thought and a commitment to spreading positive energy will lay the foundation for success at that level. We are in no rush."

The Dodgers had a similar situation in 2014, when Rookie-level Ogden manager Lee Tinsley left his post before he even started, instead taking a major league job as assistant hitting coach with the Reds. The Dodgers instead turned to Jack McDowell to manage the Raptors. That decision was made on January 29, 10 days before pitchers and catchers reported to Dodgers camp at Camelback Ranch (minor league coaches are in major league camp for the first few weeks before minor league camp opens in earnest).

Monday marks 17 days before Dodgers pitchers and catchers report to Glendale in 2015.