Two big personnel moves were announced this week: John Katz is the new president of the Savannah Sand Gnats (Low Class A; Sally League), while Todd Stephenson replaces him as vice president and general manager of the Salem Red Sox (High Class A; Carolina League).Two big personnel moves were announced this week: John Katz is the new president of the Savannah Sand Gnats (Low Class A; Sally League), while Todd Stephenson replaces him as vice president and general manager of the Salem Red Sox (High Class A; Carolina League).
Katz is a minor-league veteran, with stints as vice president/general manager of the Stockton Ports (High Class A; California League), executive vice president/general manager of the Modesto A's (High Class A; California League) and director of marketing and media relations with the Carolina Mudcats (Class AA; Southern League).
Stephenson began his career in baseball in 1999 as the assistant general manager for the Sarasota Red Sox (High Class A; Florida State League) and was then promoted to GM, a position he held until 2004. After that he became director of Florida operations for the Sox.
"I am excited to become part of the rich baseball history in the Roanoke Valley," Stephenson said. "It is an incredible opportunity, and I am eager to begin building relationships with the fans, community and business partners to create one of the best ballpark experiences in all of Minor League Baseball."