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CLEVELAND -- Ross Atkins has plenty of kids to attend to these days.

For starters, he and his wife, Christine, just welcomed their first child to the world, daughter Jane Elise, about 10 days ago.

On top of that, Atkins accepted a position as the Indians' director of player development Monday. He'll replace John Farrell, who left the organization last week to become pitching coach of the Boston Red Sox.

Atkins was promoted from his role as the Tribe's director of Latin American operations -- a post he held for the past three seasons. Before that, he spent 2001-03 as Farrell's assistant farm director.

"I certainly benefit from the Latin American aspect," the bilingual Atkins said. "That completely diversifies my knowledge of the game. It helps my development in the managing of people."

The 33-year-old Atkins was one of two candidates interviewed for the position. The other was Tyrone Brooks, who spent the past 11 years working in a variety of roles for the Atlanta Braves, most recently as director of baseball administration. Brooks has accepted a job as a professional scout for the Tribe.

General manager Mark Shapiro said he believes the young players in the Indians' farm system will benefit from working under Atkins.

"His awareness, his ability to communicate, his passion for the game and compassion for people and players will make him very successful as farm director," Shapiro said. "He's extremely aware and sensitive to various Latin American cultures. He also has the ability to prioritize. When you've got hundreds of problems crossing your desk every day, you've got to have the wisdom to pick the right five or six every day."

Atkins will be in charge of a system that ranked fifth out of 30 last year in combined winning percentage (.544, 448-376). He'll oversee the operation of each of the club's six Minor League affiliates, as well as the Latin American program in the Dominican Republic.

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