Kotchman to return as manager of Orem Owlz

OREM — The Orem Owlz have announced their field staff for the 2006 Rookie League season, with longtime manager Tom Kotchman back to lead the defending Pioneer League champions.

Kotchman returns for his 23rd season in the Angels organization after leading the team to its second consecutive Pioneer League Championship.

He will be joined by longtime colleague and Orem native Zeke Zimmerman at pitching coach and Francisco Matos at hitting coach. Mike Metcalfe will serve as the team's athletic trainer.

"We are thrilled to have Tom Kotchman back as manager," said Owlz co-general manager, Zachary Fraser. "He has been, without a doubt, the integral force behind our success."

Kotchman, a resident of Florida, not only owns the longest tenure of any Angels manager but is also the winningest active manager in Minor League Baseball. Since the team's arrival to Utah County in 2001, he has won five divisional titles, competing for a championship each year.

Zimmerman, who grew up in Orem, is a product of Weber State University and was later drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals. He was the first professional pitching coach in Utah County, joining Kotchmans staff in 2001. Prior to Utah County, Zimmerman and Kotchman coached for six years together in Boise.

Matos, a native of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, is a newcomer to the Angels' organization. During his 16-year minor league playing career, he batted .292 with 491 RBI and earned many honors, including Player of the Year and MVP.

Matos was a member of the Oakland Athletics in 1994, hitting .250 in 14 regular-season games.

The Orem Owlz won back-to-back Pioneer League Championships in 2004, 2005 and are the rookie-league affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.