The Colorado Rockies season was one of the more disappointing ones in MLB. Yes, teams such as the Phillies, Red Sox, Marlins, Angels and Indians may have had more of a failure in a search to meet their own expectations. On Sunday, it was announced that manager Jim Tracy had resigned and yesterday it was announced that coaches Carney Lansford and Rich Dauer will not return next season. None of the moves were expected, but questions still remain over the Rockies bizarre pitching plans.
Pitching coach Bob Apodaca resigned during the season after the team committed to the new program. It called for a four man rotation with starters being capped at 75 pitches per start. It also created a middle relief pitcher, called a piggy-back pitcher, to potentially thrown as many as 70 pitches in relief. Could the Rockies still continue this system, even if they have a new manager and entire new coaching staff?
It has been reported that the Rockies have looked at Mark Wiley as a possible candidate for director of pitching operations. According to the same source, that would result in former Royals and Red Sox pitching coach Bob McClure likely becoming Colorado's new pitching coach. Doug Linton currently serves as the pitching coordinator and is the person behind the idea of the different philosophy. If Linton is let go, with supporters Jim Wright and Bo McLaughlin, does this spell the end of the philosophy?
If it does, the Rockies look terrible. As crazy as the system seemed, they look foolish to abandon it after a half of season. But then again, it would be the best thing to happen to their young pitchers. It makes no sense to have starting pitchers not be in a position to get wins. They ideal spot in this pitching program is to be the piggy back pitcher, as the starter is likely to be out of the game in the 4th inning even on a good day. I would find it odd for the Rockies to bring in another pitching coordinator to keep the same philosophy. To me, new coordinator= different philosophy. I guess we'll have to see how it turns out.
Pitching coach Bob Apodaca resigned during the season after the team committed to the new program. It called for a four man rotation with starters being capped at 75 pitches per start. It also created a middle relief pitcher, called a piggy-back pitcher, to potentially thrown as many as 70 pitches in relief. Could the Rockies still continue this system, even if they have a new manager and entire new coaching staff?
It has been reported that the Rockies have looked at Mark Wiley as a possible candidate for director of pitching operations. According to the same source, that would result in former Royals and Red Sox pitching coach Bob McClure likely becoming Colorado's new pitching coach. Doug Linton currently serves as the pitching coordinator and is the person behind the idea of the different philosophy. If Linton is let go, with supporters Jim Wright and Bo McLaughlin, does this spell the end of the philosophy?
If it does, the Rockies look terrible. As crazy as the system seemed, they look foolish to abandon it after a half of season. But then again, it would be the best thing to happen to their young pitchers. It makes no sense to have starting pitchers not be in a position to get wins. They ideal spot in this pitching program is to be the piggy back pitcher, as the starter is likely to be out of the game in the 4th inning even on a good day. I would find it odd for the Rockies to bring in another pitching coordinator to keep the same philosophy. To me, new coordinator= different philosophy. I guess we'll have to see how it turns out.
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