Orioles’ top affiliate will have a new manager in 2012
The Orioles’ top affiliate will have a new manager in 2012.
Ron Johnson, a long-time minor-league skipper who spent the past two seasons as first base coach for the Boston Red Sox, is expected to take over as the manager of the Norfolk Tides, the Orioles’ Triple-A affiliate.
Gary Allenson, who managed the Tides for parts of the past five seasons, likely will be re-assigned within the organization.
Johnson, 55, was the manager of Triple-A Pawtucket, the Red Sox top affiliate, from 2005 to 2009 and led the PawSox to a playoff berth in 2008. He first joined the Boston organization as a minor-league manager in 2000 – while new Orioles’ executive vice president Dan Duquette was GM of the Red Sox.
Johnson has spent much of his career in the Kansas City Royals organization, which drafted him in 1978. He played parts of three seasons in the big leagues primarily as a first baseman with the Royals and Montreal Expos. He then coached and managed in the Royals’ minor league system before heading to the Red Sox organization.
He is the father of Houston Astros’ infielder Chris Johnson.
A Baltimore native, 
Comments
Macphail had the cub connection, Duquette has the Boston connection.
Posted by: Dave in glen burnie | November 28, 2011 11:33 AM
Dave in glen burnie, just off the top of your head which one is the better organization. If i recall andy's cub connection furnished us with a bunch of washed up ball players. But i might be wrong???
Posted by: blancione | November 28, 2011 12:26 PM
I guess if one has to take someone's seconds, we are better getting Boston's leftovers than Chicago (NL)'s...
Posted by: rphall | November 28, 2011 12:41 PM
At least the Boston connection is stronger than the Cub connection.
Posted by: King of the Donkeys | November 28, 2011 1:04 PM
What's all this nonsense about Chicago or Boston having the better leftovers?
Just remember that all leftovers are still 1 day closer to spoil.
Posted by: Dennis in WV | November 28, 2011 2:39 PM
He's a good man ( ron johnson) and will be a benefit to the orioles organization . Was not part of the reason the sox fell in Sept he was just one coach they decided to ax with no explanation, our loss is your gain Baltimore so don't complain about getting ron john. Gary Allenson was a victim of Dan Duquette when he was third base coach for Boston When Duquette fired manager Butch Hobson, go figure.
Posted by: bosman | November 28, 2011 5:14 PM
I'm an Orioles fan in Rhode Island, and have long supported the Pawtucket Red Sox. Ron Johnson did a great job in Pawtucket and is a great addition to the Orioles. This is such a critical position, the last stop for many players before moving on to the majors. For years, the Orioles had a gem of a manager in Rochester, Altobelli. That's when the organization was developing major league quality players regularly. And it's player development that is most critical in shaping the Orioles of the future.
Posted by: Frank | November 28, 2011 8:35 PM
Good man and good baseball man. saw a piece on him concerning an injury to his daughter. well liked. both boston and yankee players took up a collection for her. orioles made a good choice. welcome aboard R.J.
Posted by: mike | November 28, 2011 8:59 PM
Bob
You're right. I was just being understated. Heres to hoping this guy doesn't and up in a situation like Dave Trembly.
Posted by: Dave in glen burnie | November 28, 2011 10:24 PM