Phillies coaching rumors: Will Bob McClure return in 2018?
With the search for a new manager on-going, will pitching coach Bob McClure return with the Phillies in 2018? Here’s his evaluation for the 2017 season.
Bob McClure, the current pitching coach for the Phillies, has been questioned on weather or not he’ll return following the 2017 season. Philadelphia hired McClure during the 2013 off season, and he’s been at the same post ever since.
Pete Vuckovich, Jim Benedict and Roger McDowell all declined the position when McClure was hired.
Before coaching here, he served with the Boston Red Sox when he was promoted to the pitching coach role in 2011, but then was fired in 2012.
During Friday’s press conference, to discuss the dismissal of Pete Mackanin from his managerial role, general manager Matt Klentak said it was up to the new manager, whoever that may be, to make adjustments to his coaching staff as he sees.
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So, if the Phillies are going to let McClure go, it’s most likely going to have to wait until the Phillies find a new manager.
This season, under McClure as the pitching coach, the Phillies have allowed 722 earned runs. The majority come from rookie pitcher Nick Pivetta as he leads the team in runs allowed with 89.
The bullpen has been the biggest struggle year-round. They will most likely go after bullpen arms, and maybe, see how McClure does with them.
In addition, McClure’s pitching staff has allowed 220 home runs so far this season.
Last season, in 2016, the Phillies allowed 739 runs and 213 home runs. It’s not all McClure’s fault, with the Phillies having a lot of young pitchers constantly shuffling through.
C. . Pitching Coach. Philadelphia Phillies. BOB MCCLURE
With that being said, it’s more then likely McClure will be fired sometime during the off season. There are plenty of pitching coaches out there, who have proven to be better then McClure.
Next: Five younger candidates for Phillies manager job
It’s just the waiting game now for the Phillies. They’ll need a new manager before they can evaluate the rest of the coaching staff.