Tim Leiper promoted to Jacksonville Suns manager

The Marlins promoted Tim Leiper to become the 2010 Jacksonville Suns manager.

Former Jacksonville Suns infielder Tim Leiper is returning to the team. This time, he’ll be in charge.

The Florida Marlins announced a new managerial staff for the 2010 Suns. Leiper replaces Brandon Hyde, who will be a roving instructor within the Marlins organization for the coming season.

Hyde led the 2009 Suns to the Southern League championship in their first year of affiliation with the Marlins.

Last year, Leiper, 43, managed the Jupiter Hammerheads, the Marlins’ high-A affiliate in the Florida State League. The Hammerheads were 67-70 last season.

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Joining Leiper’s staff in Jacksonville will be hitting coach Corey Hart, who worked in the same capacity with the Brevard County Manatees (Milwaukee Brewers) the last two seasons.

Leiper’s pitching coach in Jupiter last year, John Duffy, will also move up to Jacksonville in 2010. Duffy has coached in the Marlins organization the past four seasons. He played six seasons in the Tigers organization during the 1980s.

Leiper’s first game as manager of the Suns team will be on April 2, when the Suns host the Marlins in an exhibition game at the Baseball Grounds. The Suns open defense of their Southern League title on April 8, when they begin a five-game series against the Mobile (Ala.) BayBears.

 

He should already be familiar with some of the players, considering he was their manager for part of last season when they were Hammerheads.