The Rocket City Trash Pandas are gearing up for 2026 with a brand new coaching squad, and the excitement is palpable! The Los Angeles Angels have officially unveiled the on-field staff set to lead the team, with Joe Kruzel stepping in as the first-year manager. This announcement marks a significant moment for the team, promising a fresh approach and a strong focus on player development.
But here's where it gets interesting: the blend of seasoned veterans and fresh faces on this coaching staff is designed to not only win games now but also to cultivate talent that will eventually make its way to the big leagues in Anaheim. The team is bringing in a wealth of experience, from former major leaguers to individuals who have a deep understanding of the Angels' system.
Joining Manager Kruzel are Daren Brown as a Coach, Tim Leveque as Pitching Coach, and Doug Henry as Assistant Pitching Coach. For the hitting side, Jobel Jimenez will be the Hitting Coach. Rounding out the key on-field roles are Dylan Culwell as Athletic Trainer, Chase Galloway as Assistant Athletic Trainer, Matt Gabriel as Strength and Conditioning Coach, Tristan Saglime as Game Planning Strategist, and Joe Wike as Video Assistant.
And this is the part most people miss: Bubba Hearn is returning for his fifth season as Home Clubhouse Manager, a true testament to his dedication and the vital role he plays behind the scenes. His continued presence ensures continuity and a well-oiled machine in the clubhouse.
Manager Kruzel himself expressed enthusiasm for the new team, stating, "With the additions of Tim and Daren to the organization this year, their track records really speak for themselves. Doug and Jobel bring valuable experience within the Angels organization and understand the system and expectations. It's a strong group that's focused on developing our players and preparing them to win games now, and help our club in Anaheim." This statement highlights a dual mission: immediate success and long-term player growth.
Let's dive a little deeper into some of these key individuals:
Daren Brown – Coach: Brown brings a fascinating history to the Angels organization. Before this, he was with Piratas de Campeche in the Mexican League. His past includes a stint as a minor league pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays and a highly successful tenure managing the Amarillo Dillas in the independent Texas-Louisiana League. From 1998-2000, he led the Dillas to an impressive 203-77 record, clinching the Texas–Louisiana League Championship in 1999 and earning Manager of the Year honors. He then transitioned to affiliated baseball with the Seattle Mariners from 2001-2019, where he achieved 433 wins with Triple-A Tacoma, including back-to-back division titles and a Pacific Coast League Championship. He even served as Seattle's interim manager for 50 games! His journey continued through various minor league roles and a return to Tacoma, where he amassed 494 career wins with the Rainiers. After some time in summer collegiate baseball, he managed Triple-A Jacksonville in the Marlins organization before his recent role in Mexico. Interestingly, he's the son of former MLB pitcher Paul Brown and nephew of former MLB pitcher Jackie Brown.
Tim Leveque – Pitching Coach: Leveque is a significant addition to the pitching staff, marking his first year with the Angels. He spent the last 20 seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals, most recently as their Senior Minor League Pitching Coordinator, a role that involved overseeing pitcher development across their entire system. Earlier in his career, he coached at various lower-level affiliates and even started as a video intern with Milwaukee in 2005. Drafted by the Tigers in 1999, he opted to play at the University of Michigan as a right-handed reliever from 2000-2003.
Doug Henry – Assistant Pitching Coach: Henry is a familiar face, returning to Rocket City for his second season and his sixth overall with the Angels. Before joining the Trash Pandas in 2024 as Assistant Pitching Coach, he was the Pitching Coach at Tri-City from 2021-23. His coaching career also includes 12 seasons with the Kansas City Royals, where he served as the MLB club's Bullpen Coach from 2013-17. This period famously included two American League pennants and the 2015 World Series championship! He also had stints in the Braves' minor league system and began his coaching at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. As a player, Henry had an impressive 11-year Major League career as a reliever, accumulating a 34-42 record, 82 saves, and a 4.19 ERA in 582 appearances. He also posted a remarkable 1.59 ERA in eight postseason outings.
Jobel Jimenez – Hitting Coach: Jimenez joins the Trash Pandas with a deep connection to the Angels organization, having been a longtime roving instructor. He played in the Dodgers organization for two seasons before transitioning into coaching roles with the Dodgers, Mariners, and Red Sox. He joined the Cardinals in 2007, working through their minor league system and eventually serving as assistant hitting coach at the Major League level from 2019-21. He moved to the Angels in 2022 and has spent the last four seasons as the organization's Assistant Hitting Coordinator.
Dylan Culwell – Athletic Trainer: Culwell is the reigning Southern League Athletic Trainer of the Year and is back for his third season with the Trash Pandas and sixth in the Angels system. He previously served at High-A Tri-City, where he was recognized as the Northwest League Athletic Trainer of the Year in 2023. He even had the experience of being an athletic trainer for Team Italy during the World Baseball Classic! Before joining the Angels, he worked at UNLV and holds multiple degrees in athletic training and healthcare administration.
Chase Galloway – Assistant Athletic Trainer: Galloway is new to Rocket City but not new to the Angels system, having served as head athletic trainer at Tri-City in 2025 and working with the DSL Angels in 2024.
Matt Gabriel – Strength and Conditioning Coach: Gabriel comes to the Trash Pandas after two seasons with Tri-City (2025) and Inland Empire (2024). His background includes work at Utah Tech, supporting various athletic programs, and internships with prominent universities like Notre Dame and Iowa. He also served as a graduate assistant at Southern Miss.
Tristan Saglime – Game Planning Strategist: Saglime is new to the Angels organization. A graduate of Abilene Christian University, he was the program's student manager and earned a degree in Management Information Systems. Post-graduation, he worked with the Houston Astros as a Minor League Technology Apprentice and later as a Data and Technology Coordinator in the Appalachian League.
Joe Wike – Video Assistant: Wike joins Rocket City after a stint as an assistant coach with the Syracuse Salt Cats. He previously worked in analytics and organizational assistance with Hazan Sports Management. He played collegiately and was a two-time NYCBL All-Star.
Bubba Hearn – Home Clubhouse Manager: Hearn's return for his fifth season marks his 23rd year in professional baseball. He's a cornerstone of the Rocket City clubhouse, managing everything from equipment and uniforms to meals and bat boys. In 2023, he was honored as the Southern League Home Clubhouse Manager of the Year. His experience spans across multiple organizations, including the Albuquerque Isotopes and Reno Aces.
This assembled staff represents a deep commitment to nurturing talent and fostering a winning environment. The blend of experience, particularly in player development and championship runs, is a strong indicator of the Trash Pandas' aspirations for the 2026 season.
What are your thoughts on this new coaching lineup? Do you think this group has what it takes to lead the Trash Pandas to success? Let us know in the comments below!
