Jewett named new Potomac Nationals manager

Trent Jewett has managed in the Carolina League before. He did so at Salem in 1994.
He is returning for another stint. Only this time it is with the Potomac Nationals.
Jewett has been named Potomac’s 2009 manager, a decision announced on Wednesday by Washington Nationals player development officials.
“It’s a good situation,” Jewett said.
Jewett replaces Randy Knorr, who managed Potomac to the 2008 Mills Cup title and is now Washington’s bullpen coach. Jewett comes to the Washington farm system with 15 minor league managerial seasons under his belt. He has spent 11 seasons as manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates’ Triple-A affiliate. He also served as the Pirates’ third base coach from 2000-02.
“You use all your experience,” said Jewett when asked if his Triple-A and big league knowledge will come in handy at his latest stop. “That and your instincts are things you rely on. We’ll get familiar with the players. Once the teams are chosen, we’ll see what the Potomac roster looks like. Experience and instincts will be a vital part of what we do.”
Jewett played four years as a catcher in the Pirates’ system and hit .172 with two home runs and 26 RBI in 113 games.
He began his managerial career in 1992 with Welland in the short-season New York Penn League. He managed at Low-A Augusta in 1993 and Double-A Carolina in 1995.
Three of his teams have made the postseason.
“There will be things I’ll miss about Triple A and things I don’t miss,” Jewett said. “But I’m looking forward to being in a new organization. I’m familiar with the league, albeit far removed. But I think it will all be comforting, so I’m expecting a smooth and easy transition.”
Pitching coach Paul Menhart and hitting coach Jerry Browne round out Potomac’s coaching staff.
Menhart spent the previous two years in the same role at Low-A Hagerstown.
Browne was Potomac’s 2008 hitting coach. His hitters led the league with 1,234 hits and a .265 batting average en route to their league championship.
“I’ve heard a lot of good things about them,” Jewett said. “It’s comforting in itself because they’ve been in the same organization for a while.”
LANNAN HONORED
Washington Nationals left-handed pitcher and former Potomac National John Lannan was named to the 50th annual Topps Major League Rookie All-Star team.
Lannan went 9-15 with a 3.91 ERA for Washington in 31 starts. He led all big league rookies with 21 quality starts.