Bob McClure named Phillies pitching coach

After a search that lasted nearly eight weeks, the Phillies finally named Bob McClure as their pitching coach for 2014. 

If you judge a pitching coach by the success of his staff...well, McClure isn't going to wow anyone. He spent six seasons as Royals pitching coach (2006-11) and five months of the 2012 season as Red Sox pitching coach. None of those teams had a winning record, and his last job ended with an in-season firing after a pretty public rift with manager Bobby Valentine.

Clearly, the Royals were at a huge competitive disadvantage during his tenure because of budget restraints, but there was a large body of work for the Phillies to investigate as it pertained to McClure's ability to groom young pitchers like Zack Greinke, Luke Hochevar and Joakim Soria. The organization considers the capability of preparing their inexperienced relief prospects to be consistent performers in the majors a top priority. 

The Phils also announced that bullpen coach Rod Nichols and bullpen catcher Jesus Tiamo would return in those capacities.