Stan Cliburn will be back in 2005 for his fifth season as manager of the Rock Cats, and his identical twin brother Stu will return as pitching coach for the seventh consecutive season.

 

Stan Cliburn, 47, is the Rock Cats' most successful manager with a franchise-record 297 victories. He began managing the team in 2001, when he was named the Eastern League's manager of the year after leading the Rock Cats to a league title.

 

Cliburn said he was considered for the Twins' Triple A job, but Phil Roof decided to manage one more season at Rochester. Roof had considered leaving because of an illness in his family, Cliburn said.

 

"Minnesota is a very loyal organization," Cliburn said. "I was happy they were talking about me being promoted to Triple A, but I'm glad to be back with Stu."

 

Cliburn still enjoys the challenges of managing in Double A.

 

"There is more development than in Triple A," he said. "I enjoy the hands-on teaching and it's a good situation for me to be in."

 

The Rock Cats (70-70) finished third in the EL Northern Division in 2004.

 

"The last six weeks of the season were probably the most fun I've had in baseball," Cliburn said.

 

The Rock Cats also announced Floyd Rayford is replacing Jeff Carter as hitting coach.

 

Rayford, 47, was a catcher and third baseman for the Orioles and Cardinals for parts of seven seasons (1980-87).