PITTSBURGH -- The Pirates announced their 2016 performance team on Tuesday, making several notable promotions and filling out the group to replace a few recent departures from their big league training staff.
After leaving the NBA's Golden State Warriors last year, Dr. Chris Johnson will return to Pittsburgh for his second season as the organization's director of performance. Bernie Holliday is entering his seventh season as the director of mental conditioning.
Brendon Huttmann, who served as the Pirates' strength and conditioning coach the past four years, has been promoted to the position of sports science coordinator. Last year, the Pirates ramped up their efforts in the strength-and-conditioning department, making a concerted effort to analyze players' workouts, rest and the effects of both on their performance.