CHICAGO – Brandon Hyde devoted nearly a decade to understanding the ins and outs of the minor leagues.

Hyde’s acumen of the minor league system – and a crash course on the Cubs’ organization – earned him a promotion Wednesday. The Cubs named Hyde the director of player personnel, less than a year after the 38-year-old joined the organization as the minor league field coordinator.

Before his offseason hire, Hyde spent nine years with the Marlins, seven of which he served as a minor league coach or manager. He even coached Cubs shortstop Starlin Castro in 2009 when he managed in the Arizona Fall League.