Front office: Arizona executive hired, intl. operations bolstered

The Phillies on Tuesday announced a number of hires and promotions within the organization, per Matt Gelb of the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Headlining the moves is the new position of coordinator of international scouting. That job goes to Greg McMillin, a former intern with the organization. The international operations department was further bolstered with the addition of Rafael Alvarez as international scout, the promotion of Ray Robles to assistant director of international operations, and the assignment of Elvis Fernandez to manage the team’s Dominican Republic academy.

The organization also hired Bryan Minniti, previously assistant general manager of the Arizona Diamondbacks, to be a special assistant to general manager Matt Klentak. Jorge Velandia, promoted from within and reportedly an advocate of drafting Odubel Herrera in the Rule 5, will also serve as a special assistant.

Moreover, the Phils added a mental-skills coach, giving that job to Geoff Miller, who has worked in that realm with the Braves, Nationals and Pirates.

Also announced were minor league managing appointments, including Gregg Legg to Reading. Legg oversaw single-A Clearwater in 2015. And former Phillie Charlie Hayes will be taking a coaching position with the Gulf Coast Phillies.

More scouting, coaching and analyst positions were also announced Tuesday.