The Cleveland Indians today announced TIM BELCHER has stepped down as Major League Pitching Coach. Belcher will again assume a position similar to the Special Assistant to Baseball Operations role he served in for 8 seasons from 2002-09 before becoming Manny Acta’s Pitching Coach in 2010.

Statement from Tim Belcher regarding today’s decision:

After much reflection and deliberation, I have decided not to return as the Major League Pitching Coach for the 2012 season.

When I accepted the position two years ago, I understood and embraced the challenges of the role. Over the last two years I was fully committed to the responsibilities of the job and enjoyed it.

However, as I began to look forward to 2012, I felt that I would not be able to balance the changing needs of my family and the demands of the job. As a result, I have decided that it would be best for me to step away from coaching at this time.

I want to thank the Indians for the opportunity to work with a good young pitching staff the past two years. I am excited about the future of the team and I welcome the opportunity to continue working for the club in another capacity going forward.