Yankees Reportedly Went Around Larry Rothschild's Back to Help Fix James Paxton
By Adam Weinrib
Yankee fans have celebrated the dismissal of ex-pitching coach Larry Rothschild in resounding fashion for the past several weeks, and those who rejoiced in his departure might be excited to find out their suspicions were true.
Remember how James Paxton became the rare Yankees starter to see his effectiveness increase as the season dragged on? Yeah, that...that wasn't on Rothschild.
In fact, New York reportedly had to circumvent their figurehead in order to get Pax to throw more curveballs.
Oof, that’s a tough look for Rothschild https://t.co/FjtvAe3Q5n pic.twitter.com/lAwSsuKuiR
— Max Wildstein (@MaxWildstein) November 21, 2019
Got it.
So, if you're playing at home, Chad Green had to be sent to the minors to get right. So did Tommy Kahnle. Luis Severino had to consult with Pedro Martinez to get his swagger back.
And Paxton talked to everyone in the room but the team pitching coach to figure things out.
Seems like the Yankees may have made a smart move hiring analytical mind (and malleable thinker) Matt Blake after all.
Matt Blake, the #Yankees’ new pitching coach, on mound visits and his new responsibilities (via @MLBNetwork): pic.twitter.com/uHJNIoAQiO
— Tom Hanslin (@TomHanslin) November 21, 2019
Yeah, this fellow's got the right attitude.