Picture Courtesy: Wikipedia Commons
52 days after Rich Dubee was let go, the Phillies have chosen Bob McClure as their pitching coach for the 2014 season. Jim Salisubry of CSN reported at about 9:00 AM today that McClure had become the front-runner for the position, then broke the news just minutes ago.
McClure played in the majors from 1975 to 1993 for 7 different organizations, most notably, the Milwaukee Brewers from 1977 to 1986. He was first hired as a pitching coach back in 1999 by the Colorado Rockies. After spending 7 years in their staff, McClure spent the next 6 with the Kansas City Royals, being fired after the 2011 campaign. The Red Sox brought him in that offseason to become a scout and work in player development. After becoming their pitching coach in 2012, McClure was let go after the Red Sox disappointing season. McClure was not in the major leagues this past season.
Obviously, McClure was not the first choice for the Phillies. He was also apparently not the choice of many teams looking to fill the pitching coach role. Initially, McClure seems to be a decent fit with the team and a possible long-term choice, as he had spent extended periods with his first two teams. However, with the Red Sox letting him go not even a full year after signing him, there should be a bit of caution.
Prepare for enormous amounts of references to Troy McClure of The Simpsons fame.
