The New York Yankees have named Larry Rothschild pitching coach, according to published reports. Rothschild replaces the fired Dave Eiland.
From the official release:
The 2011 season will mark Rothschild’s 37th season in professional baseball as a player, coach or manager. He has served on the Major League coaching staff for two World Championship clubs – the 1990 Cincinnati Reds and 1997 Florida Marlins.
Rothschild, 56, joins the Yankees after serving as the Chicago Cubs pitching coach from 2002-10. Over the nine-year stretch, the Cubs pitching staff combined to lead the Majors in strikeouts (11,604). Cubs pitchers led the Majors in strikeouts in each of his first seven seasons as the club’s pitching coach through 2008, including a still-standing single-season Major League-record of 1,404 strikeouts in 2003.
He began his coaching career as a roving minor league pitching instructor for the Cincinnati Reds from 1986-89, before joining the Major League staff as bullpen coach from 1990-91 and then pitching coach from 1992-93. Rothschild then served as roving minor league pitching instructor for the Atlanta Braves in 1994, before taking on the role of pitching coach for the Florida Marlins from 1995-97.
Rothschild was named the first manager in Tampa Bay Devil Rays history on November 7, 1997, and remained in the position until April 18, 2001, compiling a 205-294 managerial record over the stretch. Under his guidance, the club’s winning percentage increased each of his three full seasons with the organization.
Larry Rothschild? This one came out of left field. In no way am I saying this was a bad move, or a good move. But it certainly is an unexpected move. Rothschild's name isn't even one I had heard connected with the Yankees at any time this offseason.
Larry brings a wealth of invaluable experience to our team and to our pitching staff," said Yankees manager Joe Girardi. "He's a championship pitching coach, and I'm excited to add Larry's abilities to our staff."
Rothschild cited the Yankees' spring training facility in his hometown of Tampa as a primary reason for the move from Chicago.
"The chance to spend increased time with my family was something I wanted to explore, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have done so," Rothschild said. "My nine years with the Cubs were tremendous, and I'm proud of the pitching staff I leave behind."
(The Sports Network contributed to this report)