Jim Pankovits will return to manage the Tri-City ValleyCats next season, the team announced Monday.

The 'Cats finished 27-48 and were last in the four-team Stedler Division in Pankovits' first year last season. It was the third straight year the Cats finished at the bottom of the division.

"I am really excited to have the opportunity to manage the ValleyCats again in 2010," said Pankovits in a statement. "The Astros are very fortunate to have an affiliation, in Troy and it would be nice to take care of some unfinished business and bring home a New York-Penn League championship."

Also returning are pitching coach Gary Ruby, and hitting coach Joel Chimelis.