Just keep expanding the braintrust. The Cubs have added yet another recently-former MLB pitcher to their front office to help out in the impressive pitching infrastructure.
The latest is former Astros righty Josh Zeid, who also spent time in the farm systems of the Phillies, Tigers, Mets, and Cardinals:
I am so excited to announce that I have accepted a position within the Player Development department of the @Cubs organization as Pitching Analyst. Looking forward to joining an incredible staff and great organization.
Can’t wait to begin my second baseball career. #FlytheW pic.twitter.com/mD5brPprBI
— Josh Zeid (@Josh_Zeid14) February 9, 2019
With Tommy Hottovy exiting the Run Prevention Coordinator position to become the Pitching Coach, the Cubs moved quickly to bring in former pitcher Brad Mills, and now have also added Zeid. Based on Zeid’s description of the role as a Pitching Analyst in the Player Development department, you’ve gotta figure Zeid will be analyzing and working with minor league pitchers – perhaps much in the same way that Hottovy/Mills worked/work with the big league staff.
Whatever the particulars, it’s just good to see the Cubs continuing to expand into the world where analyzing data and video is layered over the communications with individual players to optimize development and results. We’ve already seen how much that can do in the independent sector (i.e., DriveLine), and the Cubs are wise to continue in-housing as much as they can.
Also, seems like Zeid has a good sense of humor:
— Josh Zeid (@Josh_Zeid14) February 9, 2019