Wilson Returns For Second Season As Naturals Manager

Vance Wilson
Vance Wilson

SPRINGDALE -- Vance Wilson is excited to return for a second season as manager of the Northwest Arkansas Naturals.

Wilson, who lives in Springdale, acknowledged his inaugural season as the Naturals manager didn't go as he would have liked. Northwest Arkansas finished last in the North Division of the Texas League in both halves of the season. The Naturals, who are the Double-A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals, finished with an overall record of 53-87.

2015 Northwest Arkansas Naturals Coaching Staff

Manager: Vance Wilson

Hitting coach: Brandon Moore

Pitching coach: Jim Brower

Trainer: Masa Koyanagi

Strength coach: Austin Driggers

Kansas City Royals’ Top 10 Prospects

Rated by Baseball America

1, Raul A. Mondesi, SS

2, Brandon Finnegan, LHP-x

3, Sean Manaea, LHP

4, Kyle Zimmer, RHP-x

5, Hunter Dozier, 3B-x

6, Miguel Almonte, RHP

7, Foster Griffin, LHP

8, Scott Blewett, RHP

9, Jorge Bonifacio, OF-x

10, Christian Colon, 2B/ss-x

X denotes players who are currently on or have spent time on the Naturals roster.

"Obviously on the winning edge last year, we didn't quite live up to what we thought we would do," Wilson said. "But some unbelievable developmental things happened for us, obviously with the Major League team going to the World Series. To be at a higher level obviously and to be home with people you know and sleep in your own bed is a very special thing to have happen to you as a coach.

"In 21 years I've been in pro baseball as a player and coach, I can think of very few coaches who have had this opportunity. Very special to be a part of an organization like the Royals is pretty exciting."

Wilson pointed out outfielder Lane Adams and pitcher Brandon Finnegan, who both played for the Naturals last season, got September call-ups to the Royals and aided in their run to the World Series.

"We finished in last place," Wilson said. "We were a young team. But you kind of break down what happened and two guys went to the Major Leagues for September. One of them being Brandon Finnegan, who was on the playoff roster. Then you look at our Triple-A team winning the World Series."

But several key players like third baseman Hunter Dozier, a first-round draft pick in 2013, and right fielder Jorge Bonifacio should return to Double-A this season and could be primed for big performances, Wilson said. Both are rated among the top 10 prospects in the Royals organization by Baseball America.

Dozier finished strong in the star-studded Arizona Fall League, playing for Wilson's Peoria team, which won its division and made the championship game.

Bonifacio was added the Royals' 40-man roster in the off-season, despite coming off a season in which he hit only .230 with four home runs and a team-high 51 RBIs.

In addition to announcing Wilson's return as manager, Jim Brower will return for his third season as Naturals pitching coach. Brandon Moore will be the hitting coach. He is in his first year with the Royals' organization, replacing Andre David.

The Naturals open the season at Midland on April 9 and play their first game at Arvest Ballpark on April 16, also against Midland, the Double-A affiliate of the Oakland Athletics. The team will play 19 home games in May this year thanks to a schedule quirk.

One reason for the high number of home games in May is the Tulsa ballpark will host the Big 12 Conference baseball tournament May 24-29, Naturals general manager Justin Cole said.

Sports on 01/10/2015

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