Tigers Get a New Pitching Coach
October 17th, 2008 Posted in Rick KnappThe Tigers did not waste any time in replacing their former pitching coach, Chuck Hernandez. The club announced today that they have hired Rick Knapp to take over the pitching staff.
Knapp previously worked for the Tigers AL Central rivals the Minnesota Twins. He spent the last twelve seasons working as the Twins minor league pitching coordinator. If you want to know if Knapp knows what he’s doing, just think about all of the Twins quality pitchers the Tigers have had to face the past 10 years or so.
Here’s the list, see these names ring any bells:
- JC Romero
- Johan Santana
- Kyle Lohse
- Juan Rincon
- Grant Balfour
- Carlos Silva
- Jesse Crain
- Scott Baker
- Francisco Liriano
- Boof Bonser
- Matt Garza
- Pat Neshek
- Glen Perkins
- Kevin Slowey
- Nick Blackburn
- Craig Breslow
All of the guys on that list got some knowledge and instruction from our new friend, Rick Knapp. The Twins pitchers over the past 10 years have been known for their control and their tendency to pound the strike zone. Knapp also has a reputation for helping his pitchers overcome physical obstacles to become successful big league pitchers. It sounds like Knapp is the cure to what ailed the Tigers pitching staff in 2008. Quite often, I think 50% of a new pitching coaches success is due to the fact that he’s new. I’m sure the advice from some one new will make a difference for the Tigers pitching staff.
