Phillies Search for New Pitching Coach Reportedly Centering Around Bryan Price
Even though the MLB offseason hasn't technically started yet, that hasn't stopped the Phillies from making major moves to their coaching staff.
After firing manager Gabe Kapler, the team's front office went through a thorough managerial search before finally choosing Joe Girardi.
Phillies to hire Joe Girardi as next manager.
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) October 24, 2019
Joe Girardi never finished a season below .500 during his 10-year tenure with the Yankees. The last time the Phillies finished a season above .500 was in 2011 when they won 102 games with Charlie Manuel as their manager. pic.twitter.com/kFfzKTjzWY
The Phillies now need to find a pitching coach that can complement Girardi, and it looks like they think former Reds manager Bryan Price is that guy.
Hearing same thing. Bryan Price is Phillies’ focus for pitching coach. Barring something unforeseen, he’s expected to be the guy https://t.co/72h59Sca9I
— Jim Salisbury (@JSalisburyNBCS) October 30, 2019
Price managed Cincinnati up until last season and also served as a pitching coach for the Reds, Diamondbacks and Mariners. He's had success developing multiple arms, including Aroldis Chapman.
Potential free agent arms that pitched under Bryan Price in Cincinnati: Aroldis Chapman, Homer Bailey, Edison Volquez, Tony Cingrani, and Jared Hughes (who the Phillies have an option to bring back).
— Joe Giglio (@JoeGiglioSports) October 30, 2019
Philadelphia can use all the help it can get for the rotation. Last season, the team was 19th in walks per nine innings and just 20th in strikeouts. Look for Price to work with guys like Zach Eflin and Vince Velasquez in an attempt to bolster and deepen this unit.
If Price can improve the pitching even a little, the Phillies will take a leap in the NL East and could get back into the postseason.