Backman back as Triple-A Las Vegas skipper

NEW YORK -- Wally Backman and Frank Viola will return as Triple-A Las Vegas manager and pitching coach, respectively, the Mets and 51s jointly announced Tuesday.
Backman, 56, will enter his fifth season managing the Mets' top affiliates in Buffalo, N.Y., and Las Vegas. He owns a 239-193 overall record since the Mets moved their Triple-A club to Vegas, with two playoff appearances in three years. Under his watch, pitchers Matt Harvey, Zack Wheeler, Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard and Steven Matz have all advanced to the big leagues.
"I'm excited to return to Las Vegas for my fourth season," Backman said in a statement. "I enjoy working with everyone in the 51s front office and look forward to another successful season in the Pacific Coast League. We have the potential to field another exciting team for the fans to watch and enjoy."
Viola, 55, has spent the last three seasons on Backman's staff. He missed part of the 2014 season after undergoing open-heart surgery, but made a full recovery.
Rounding out Backman's staff at Las Vegas will be hitting coach Jack Voigt, athletic trainer Deb Iwanow and strength coach Jon Cioffi.