Friday, December 19, 2008

Timmons eyes return to Montgomery

New Biscuits hitting coach Ozzie Timmons isn't a first-timer when it comes to Montgomery.

Timmons played for the University of Tampa in the 1990 Division II World Series at Paterson Field. He was a two-time All-American for the Spartans.

"We weren't close to winning it all, but it was a good experience," Timmons said. "I'm looking forward to seeing the stadium we played in."

Timmons went on to a 16-year playing career that included time in the major leagues. He retired after spending the 2006 season with independent Atlantic City and joined the Tampa Bay coaching staff the next year. The 38-year-old debuted at short-season Hudson Valley and spent this season at low-Class A Columbus.

The Rays thought enough of him to send him to the Arizona Fall League this year. The experience will help him with the Biscuits, he said.

"The guys who have reached Double-A already have the routines they want to do before the game," Timmons said. "I'm just there to make sure they keep it."

Biscuits first baseman Rhyne Hughes was also in Arizona. After a disappointing .268 regular season, Hughes had a .394 average and 20 extra-base hits in Arizona.

"He was locked in," Timmons said. "I didn't have to tinker with him at all. Everything they threw up there, he hit hard."

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