Cubs announce minor-league coaching staff, coordinators

The Major League Baseball lockout is more than two months old, and there's no end in sight.

With major league spring training camps a near lock to be delayed - they were supposed to open next week - there is better news on the minor league side.

Prospects are heading to Arizona and Florida later this month for spring training before beginning full minor league seasons.

On Monday, the Cubs announced their minor league coaching staffs and coordinators for the upcoming season.

Veteran managers Marty Pevey and Buddy Bailey return to Class AAA Iowa and low A Myrtle Beach, respectively.

Two minor league managers are with new teams in the Cubs' system this year.

After spending the 2021 season in high A South Bend's dugout, Michael Ryan moves up to manage Class AA Tennessee.

Ryan enters his second year with the Cubs after managing in the Pirates' system for seven years.

Lance Rymel moves up to South Bend after managing the Rookie League Mesa Cubs in 2021.

The Cubs also announced Edgar Perez, who spent over 25 years scouting and coaching for Cleveland and Boston, is their new Rookie League Mesa manager.

Catching depth: The Cubs have agreed to a minor league contract with John Hicks.

The 32-year-old catcher/first baseman played for the Texas Rangers last season and had 4 home runs and 7 RBI in only 10 games.

Hicks also played four years with the Tigers after breaking into the major leagues with the Mariners in 2015.

In 2019, Hicks had 13 homers and 35 RBI in 95 games for Detroit.