photo: Stubby Clapp (Memphis Redbirds)
The highly-successful skipper of the Triple-A Memphis Redbirds, Stubby Clapp, has been named the manager of the 2018 Surprise Saguaros of the Arizona Fall League. One of six teams in the prospect showcase, the Saguaros will be sourced from the high minors of five systems – the Cardinals, Pirates, Royals, Rangers and Blue Jays.
This assignment is another feather in the cap of a rising managerial star in Clapp.
Hired prior to last season to success current St. Louis manager Mike Shildt, Clapp led the Redbirds to their best season in franchise history, a 91-50 (.645) record in the regular season plus six more wins in the Pacific Coast League playoffs to take the league title.
Clapp was named the 2017 PCL Manager of the Year, The Cardinal Nation’s Manager of the Year and Baseball America’s Minor League Manager of the Year, the first-ever St. Louis-affiliated winner of the latter award. This spring, Clapp also received the organization’s George Kissell Award for excellence in player development.
In 2018, the Redbirds have had 170 transactions this season involving 58 different players. 16 made their Triple-A debuts and five have made their Major League debuts. The 170 transactions are already the most in franchise history with over a month left to play.
Despite that, the 2018 Redbirds have forged the best record in the PCL, 71-43 (.623) and lead their division by 12 games.
The 2018 AFL season will run from October 9 through November 17. Schedules and rosters will be announced later. As always, I will be in Arizona reporting on the St. Louis Cardinals prospects competing this year.
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Brian Walton can be reached via email at brian@thecardinalnation.com. Follow Brian on Twitter.
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