Categories: 2020 OffseasonNews

Phillies are reportedly on to the next round of pitching coach interviews

The Phillies are making some progress in their search for a new pitching coach.

According to Jim Salisbury, the Phillies have completed the first round of interviews. Assistant pitching coach Dave Lundquist, director of pitching development Rafael Chaves and Reds director of pitching Caleb Cotham are among the pool of candidates. It’s unclear whether or not the three men advanced in the search.

Joe Girardi is reportedly leading the search for a new pitching coach. (Photo by John Adams/Icon Sportswire)

Lundquist, 47, spent 11 seasons on the Phillies player development staff before being promoted to assistant pitching coach in November 2018.

Chaves, 52, was given the title director of pitching development last season after working as the Phillies minor league pitching coordinator for five seasons. He previously held the same position with the Los Angeles Dodgers from 2009 to 2013 and spent two years as the Seattle Mariners pitching coach from 2006 to 2007.

Cotham, 33, holds the title of assistant pitching coach, director of pitching for the Reds. He was drafted by the Yankees in 2009 and briefly played under Joe Girardi in 2015. He is also a Vanderbilt alum and has a background with Driveline Baseball.

Per Salisbury, Girardi seems to be the one in charge of the process. Following the announcement of Bryan Price stepping down as pitching coach, Girardi told a group of pool reporters, including Meghan Montemurro of The Athletic, what he’s looking for in the next pitching coach. He also emphasized good communication skills and an understanding of analytics.

“He has to be able to mechanically help a pitcher achieve consistency, recognize quickly when something gets out of whack, and help them get back on track quickly,” Girardi said. “Hitters and pitchers both get out of whack at times. You have to understand what gets guys back on track.”