lefferts_craig4.jpg(Nat Bailey Stadium – Vancouver, B.C.) – The Vancouver Canadians are proud to announce that Manager Rick Magnante, Pitching Coach Craig Lefferts and Trainer Travis Tims have been assigned to Vancouver (A) for the 2008 Northwest League baseball season.

 Rick Magnante returns for his 3rd season as Manager of the Canadians compiling a record of 76-75 (.503) guiding Vancouver to 2nd
in the NWL’s Western Division in 2007.  Rick is one win away from
becoming the Canadians Short-Season winningest coach as his 76 wins as
Manager trail Dennis Rogers 77 (2003-04).  This winter, Rick traveled
to Taiwan
as Manager of the South African National Team for the 2007 World
Baseball Championships, and remains active with the South African
program trying to develop their program.  Rick resides in Van Nuys, CA and has been with the Oakland Athletics organizations since 1997 both as a Manager and as a area scout.

Craig Lefferts
makes a triumphant return to Nat Bailey Stadium after missing the
entire 2007 season due to health concerns.  Craig’s health is much
improved and will now focus his efforts on helping Vancouver’s
pitching staff this coming season.  A major league career that spanned
11 seasons, Lefferts pitched in 696 games over his career, placing him
87th all-time in MLB appearances.  ‘Lefty’ as Craig is known
around the ballpark also has pitched in two World Series (84-Detroit,
88-San Francisco) as well as a career 72-45 record with 101 saves. 
Craig resides in Arizona; this will be Craig’s 4th season in Vancouver.

Travis Tims takes over the trainers room for Nate Brooks who this season takes over in Kane County (A).  Tims is a graduate of Western Kentucky University graduating with a B.A. in Sports Medicine.

The release from the Canadians goes on to mention how a hitting coach has not been announced as of today, but the name will be released as soon as it is official.

After talking with Rick Magnante at season’s end, he wanted to come back, and he will after all.  As for Lefferts, this is tremendous news.  After sitting out last season he is back in Vancouver for the 4th time, and of course having him as a coach is motivation enough for the players - considering his baseball past.

Jimmy Escalante is heading to where he was originally going last season, the Arizona A’s where he’ll be their pitching coach.  Fan favourite Benny Winslow - former player and hitting coach - will remain in Kane County after a good start in the Midwest League in 2007.

Just a few days over six months until the Canadians open the season, buy your tickets now!