That was a fun idea while it lasted. Despite the Phillies' efforts to snag pitching coach Roger McDowell away from the Atlanta Braves, McDowell appears to be returning to the Braves for two more years, reports Mark Bowman of MLB.com:
Roger McDowell has agreed to a two-year deal to serve as the Braves pitching coach. Financial terms were not revealed.
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) November 2, 2013
McDowell was reportedly one of the lowest-paid pitching coaches in baseball, despite being considered one of the best pitching coaches. It is possible that McDowell used the Phillies for leverage to get a raise.
Other candidates the Phillies reportedly considered include last year's bullpen coach Rod Nichols, Jim Benedict of the Pittsburgh Pirates organization, Marlins bullpen coach Reid Cornelius, Iron Pigs pitching coach Ray Burris, and maybe some others. The Phillies also were reportedly interested in Reds pitching coach and former Phillies assistant Bryan Price, but Price was named the Reds' manager.
