Former Phillies pitching coach Rich Dubee interviewed today for the Orioles pitching coach vacancy.
Meanwhile, the Phillies continue to search for his replacement.
Two candidates to interview are Rod Nichols, who served as Phillies bullpen coach this season, and Marlins bullpen coach Reid Cornelius, which the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported. It also is likely they have interviewed Triple-A pitching coach Ray Burris. But here is an interesting name to watch: Braves pitching coach Roger McDowell. Sources indicated Tuesday the Phillies could approach McDowell about their vacancy.
McDowell has been invited to return to Atlanta next season, but he has not received or signed a contract. It is expected to arrive before his agreement for the 2013 season ends at the end of the month, but that could leave an opening for the Phillies to jump in.
McDowell, who pitched for the Phillies from 1989-91, has been Atlanta’s pitching coach the past eight seasons. The Braves had several notable injuries to their pitching staff this season, but still posted a big-league best 3.18 ERA. Braves pitchers and catchers routinely praise McDowell.
“We’re still working through it,” general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said last week about the pitching coach search. “We’re still doing our due diligence. We’ve seen a few we’ve really liked, but we’re continuing the search. We’re still working through candidates.”
McDowell, if approached, would be a big one.
