Aces name Lalli as new team manager

 The Reno Aces announced Blake Lalli as the new manager of the team Monday morning in a press release. 

Lalli will be the youngest manager (37) in Aces history and he is also a former catcher with the club, becoming the first former player to lead the franchise as well. 

"Our fans know Blake as (a) fierce competitor on the field whose leadership brought the Aces one win from a championship in 2014," said Aces president Eric Edelstein. "We welcome him and his coaches back as the next big step in playing professional baseball again in downtown Reno."

In 2019, Lalli managed the Double-A Jackson Generals to a Southern League championship after a wild card berth following a 78-57 regular-season record.

As a player, Lalli spent time with nine minor league clubs and played 32 career games with the Chicago Cubs, Milwaukee Brewers and Atlanta Braves.

The 2021 staff will include pitching coach Jeff Bajenaru, returning to Reno after working with the club in 2019. Newcomers to the staff include hitting coach Rick Short, extra coach Jorge Cortes and strength and conditioning coach Derek Somerville.