Perhaps unsurprising given the tight budgetary concerns, but the Chicago Cubs will not conduct an extensive search for a new pitching coach. Instead, the team will opt to promote from within.
According to a major league source, the Cubs will stay within their organization to replace Rothschild for the Cubs’ pitching coach position. Top candidates will include minor-league pitching coordinator Mark Riggins, Cubs bullpen coach Lester Strode, Triple-A pitching coach Mark Mason and Double-A pitching coach Dennis Lewallyn.
Although there is no clear favorite at this time, Riggins is highly thought of throughout baseball and may have a slight edge with his 26 years of coaching experience. ESPN Chicago.
Good coaches have to come from somewhere, so there shouldn’t be a ton of disappointment here. And in a few years, when Greg Maddux’s kids have all headed off to college, maybe he’ll be ready to take the job.
If only the Cubs could figure out a way to pry Dave Duncan and his voodoo magic away from the Cardinals…