Updated: Wednesday, 11 Jan 2012, 8:31 PM CST
Published : Wednesday, 11 Jan 2012, 3:57 PM CST
HOUSTON - The Houston Astros hired former St. Louis Cardinals bench coach Joe Pettini to become manager Brad Mills' bench coach.
Pettini replaces Al Pedrique, who had been the Astros bench coach for the past two years.
Pedrique told FOX 26 Sports he was offered a demotion to take over as Houston's bullpen coach, but he turned that down to pursue other opportunities.
Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow said the opportunity to add Pettini to the Houston staff was too good to pass up.
"He was very much critical to the success of the St. Louis Cardinals over the last ten years, which includes three runs at the World Series and two championships," Luhnow said.
"The way he runs spring training. The way he organizes all of the fundamentals, he really brings so much experience to the game. He was a minor league field coordinator for many years before that. He just has a really deep understanding of all the elements of the game. His experience is invaluable and the fact that we were able to get someone like him is an opportunity I really felt we couldn't miss."
The Astros have also hired Matt Sinatro as the club's major league catching and advance scouting coordinator.
"He has a pretty extensive resume," Luhnow said. "He worked with Lou Piniella for over a decade.
"He was a second-round draft pick, catcher in the big leagues. He's going to help us on the catching side as well as with advance scouting. He will be part of the Major League staff as well.
Luhnow said the Astros have also hired Dan Radison as a special assistant to the GM in player development.
Radison has been in baseball for more than 30 years and was most recently with the Washington Nationals.
Luhnow also said the Astros have hired Mike Elias as a special assistant to the GM for the scouting department.
He joins the Astros from the Cardinals where has been a cross-checker and scout for the past five years.
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