Derek Shelton has been named the new bench coach for the Minnesota Twins.
Bench coaches rarely get the same love and attention that a manager does, but Shelton will essentially serve as the second in-command behind Paul Molitor while providing in-game analysis and advice on the Twins’ bench.
Shelton replaces Joe Vavra, who was hired away by Detroit’s new manager, Ron Gardenhire.
We're excited to welcome our new bench coach, Derek Shelton!
2018 marks Shelton's 14th season as a coach at the major league level. pic.twitter.com/LFhgpz821g
— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) November 6, 2017
Shelton’s background includes time working under Joe Maddon with the Tampa Bay Rays and Eric Wedge with the Cleveland Indians. He’s also worked for the Yankees and Blue Jays.
Maddon’s name jumps off the page because he is arguably the best manager in the big leagues, having kept the low payroll Rays at a competitive level in the AL East for years before leading the Chicago Cubs to the World Series in 2016.
Twins hired derek shelton as bench coach. Coached for nyy, TB and tor. Good hire.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) November 6, 2017
