DETROIT -- The Twins have fired Class AAA Rochester manager Tom Nieto and hitting coach Floyd Rayford, Twins minor league director Jim Rantz confirmed today.
The news was first reported by Jim Mandelaro, of the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle.
Nieto, who was a catcher on the Twins 1987 World Series championship team, guided the Red Wings to a 49-95 finish last year and a 53-91 finish this year. It was the first time the Rochester franchise has had back-to-back 90-loss seasons since 1903-1904.
Rayford was the hitting coach for both of those seasons as well.
"I wish them nothing but the best because they are good, solid baseball people," Rantz said. "It wasn't all their fault. There was a lot that happened with our Triple-A team with all the moves and injuries we had."
Rantz said pitching coach Bobby Cuellar will be asked to return to Rochester.
Asked about any other pending changes to the rest of the Twins minor-league field staff, Rantz said he had only one to report now: Rookie-level Elizabethton pitching coach Jim Shellenback plans to retire.
Tonight's lineup, etc.
