MLN Newswire - www.mlntherawfeed.com ...The New York Yankees have announced that Justin Turner has been hired as the new hitting coach for the Charleston RiverDogs.  Turner replaces Greg Colbrunn, who was promoted to team manager on Tuesday of this week.

“I’m very excited to be working with the Yankees and am blessed to have this opportunity with the RiverDogs,” said Turner. “I’ve heard nothing but good things about the Charleston area, so this should be a lot of fun.”

Colbrunn had served as the RiverDogs hitting coach for three years before replacing Torre Tyson, who was promoted to the High-A Tampa Yankees.

Turner, 30, was the Los Angeles Angels’ eighth-round draft selection in 2001 out of Warner Southern College in Lake Wales, Fla.  The Indianapolis, Ind. native enjoyed his best campaign in 2002 when he played for the Class A Cedar Rapids Kernels of the Midwest League as he batted .256 in 111 games with 23 doubles, 11 home runs and 61 RBI.

“We’re very excited to have Justin Tuner join the RiverDogs,” said Charleston General Manager Dave Echols.  “He is well-thought of by the Yankees organization, and I’m sure that he will be an asset to new manager Greg Colbrunn.”

After reaching as high as Double-A in 2004 with the Arkansas Travelers, the utility infielder caught on with Sioux City of the Northern League and played 44 games while slugging two home runs with 17 RBI.


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