MILWAUKEE, Nov. 14 (UPI) -- Davey Lopes, who endured a rough second season as manager of the Milwaukee Brewers, Wednesday became the beneficiary of a decision by the Toronto Blue Jays.
When Toronto opted to bypass Dave Stewart for the general manager's job Wednesday, Stewart immediately resigned his position with the team and accepted the role of pitching coach with the Brewers.
The 44-year-old Stewart had been with the Blue Jays since 1998, but reportedly fumed over being passed over. As pitching coach, he returns to the role he filled for the San Diego Padres during the 1998 season.
Stewart will be asked to tutor one of the most promising young staffs in the game. In addition to All-Star righthander Ben Sheets, Milwaukee has youngsters Ruben Quevedo and Nick Neugebauer.
The Brewers also named a hitting coach Wednesday, hiring 16-year veteran Gary Matthews. A career .281 hitter, the 51-year-old Matthews served as the Blue Jays batting instructor in 1998-99.
The Brewers have a potentially devastating middle of the lineup with Jeromy Burnitz, Geoff Jenkins, Richie Sexson and Jose Hernandez but all four have trouble making contact.
Milwaukee went 68-94 in its first season in Miller Park and Lopes had his staff revamped.
