It’s the first new hire of the David Ross administration, with long-time bullpen coach Lester Strode (possibly?) moving on to another role in the organization, and a new bullpen coach arriving.
Former Phillies pitching coach Chris Young will be the Cubs next bullpen coach. Before getting an in-uniform job with Philly, Young was a pro scout with the Astros and Padres.
— Sahadev Sharma (@sahadevsharma) November 7, 2019
Young, 38, was the Phillies pitching coach under Gabe Kapler, but was fired when Kapler was given the boot. Given how that whole thing was handled, I tend to doubt it had much of anything to do with Young’s performance.
Prior to being the pitching coach in Philly – you’ll love this part – Young was a scout and a scouting supervisor for the Astros from 2015 to 2017. BRING THAT SPIN RATE AND VELO MAGIC SAUCE, SIR!
Although the bullpen coach obviously has specific duties with respect to preparation and evaluation of the relievers during the week and in-game, he also is just another mind on the coaching staff. To have a guy with pitching coach AND high-level scouting experience? It’s almost like the Cubs just used their open bullpen coach gig to add another development mind to their pitching infrastructure. I love it. This is the kind of extra mile stuff the Cubs need to be doing right now.
And in case you were immediately thinking it was this guy – haha, guilty – it is not:
Lol, yes. This Young isn't the one who pitched for the Padres or was an outfielder in the bigs. Former minor league pitcher who pitched in COL, PIT and FLA systems. https://t.co/huRKoWDiow
— Sahadev Sharma (@sahadevsharma) November 7, 2019