Goldeyes hire new dugout boss

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This article was published 01/11/2023 (1074 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Winnipeg Goldeyes will be led by a new manager for the second season in a row.

Former major-leaguer Logan Watkins, 34, has been named the fifth skipper in franchise history. He replaces experienced manager Greg Tagert, 61, who lasted one season in Winnipeg after leading the Fish to a dismal 43-57 record and last-place finish in the American Association’s West Division.

Watkins, a product of Goddard, Kan., spent parts of the last three seasons in the East Division of the league as the interim manager of the Cleburne Railroaders, compiling a 130-132 record and making the playoffs in both of his full seasons at the helm.

“Logan knows what it takes to play this game at the highest level, and he has the experience recruiting players and building a roster that is so important in our league,” said Goldeyes president Sam Katz in a statement Wednesday. “He’s someone I believe players will want to play for, and will wear the Goldeyes uniform proudly.”

Watkins, who played 53 games in the MLB with the Chicago Cubs and enjoyed an 11-year playing career between the majors, minor leagues, American Association and Mexican League, retired in 2019 and broke into the coaching ranks in April 2021 with the Railroaders as the hitting coach.

He earned his first managing gig in Cleburne just two months later after Mike Jeffcoat announced his retirement.

The Free Press will speak with Watkins and Goldeyes general manager Andrew Collier later today.