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Astros announce Minor League staffs

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By Alden Gonzalez / MLB.com

11/23/09 4:00 PM EST

The Astros announced on Monday their roving instructors and field staffs for four Minor League affiliates in 2010.

After serving the past two seasons on the Astros' Major League coaching staff, Ed Romero will take over as skipper of Rookie League Greeneville. His hitting coach will be Pete Rancont -- who spent this season in Class A Lexington -- and his pitching coach will be announced at a later date. Romero, in his 18th year as professional coach, was Houston's bench coach in 2009 and third-base coach in '08.

In addition to his position as infield coordinator, Jim Pankovits will return to manage short-season Class A Tri-City for the second year. Pankovits will be entering his 20th season with the Astros.

In addition, Omar Lopez will be back to manage the Astros' Gulf Coast League affiliate, and Luis Martinez will manage the Astros' Dominican Summer League team. Each will be back for a second consecutive season.

The roving instructors will be Britt Burns (pitching coordinator), Jaime Garcia (assistant pitching coordinator), Mike Barnett (hitting), Danny Sheaffer (catching), Pankovits (infield), Mike Smith (strength/conditioning) and Pete Fagan (medical).

Alden Gonzalez is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.