Rays tab Shelton as hitting coach

Sports Network | October 21, 2009

St. Petersburg, FL (Sports Network) - The Tampa Bay Rays have named Derek Shelton as the team's new hitting coach.

"Derek has proven himself to be one of the better minds in baseball when it comes to hitting," Rays executive vice president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said. "He brings a fresh voice that can help our talented core of hitters reach new heights. His attention to detail and ability to communicate will be great additions to our group."

The 39-year-old Shelton spent the past five seasons as hitting instructor for the Cleveland Indians. He coached in Cleveland's organization for seven years, also serving as hitting coordinator. Shelton had a six-season coaching tenure with the New York Yankees, managing in the minor leagues and earning a pair of league championships in 2001 and 2002.

The hiring of Shelton comes after it was announced earlier this month that hitting coach Steve Henderson's contract would not be renewed. Henderson had served as hitting instructor for the Rays since 2006.