Astros Announce Three Coaching Vacancies

By Zachary Morgan | AstrosBias.com

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     The Astros announced several changes among the major league coaching staff today. First base coach Dave Clark and bullpen coach Dennis Martinez were informed that there contracts would not be renewed, and pitching coach Doug Brocail will remain with the organization as special assistant to the GM, and senior pitching adviser. Some shake up was naturally coming after an abysmal 111 loss season, and how much the coaching factored into the equation we can't really be sure. Whether or not coaching staffs play into a record in a big way is debatable, but the impact a coach can have on the development of a young player is very tangible; Having the best guys in house to help develop and maximize young talent is a no brainer. Jose De Jesus Ortiz tweeted a thought that was certainly a solid observation that made me (Christian) Ponder. The gist of Ortiz's tweet was that no Astros player had improved upon making his way to the big leagues. Now it's a given that higher competition at the major league level for younger guys adjusting factors into performance and struggles heavily, but you would figure to see at least a bit of maturation or improvement over a sustained sample size, and we saw little to none. Any improvement we saw came post call-up, and Robbie Grossman, Brad Peacock, and Brett Oberholtzer are examples. I don't think that's on Bo Porter as much as it is on his staff. Change was necessary, and the first dominoes have fallen

     

     Dave Clark held the role of first base coach in his fifth season with the Astros. In the case of Clark, it's a bit sad to see him go as he's nearly the longest tenured member of the big league club, and I've heard very good things about him from guys who used to be within the clubhouse, but it comes as no surprise. Clarkie was the baserunning and outfield instructor, which happens to be Bo Porter's strengths as far as instruction go. Compounded by the horrific baserunning throughout the year it makes sense that Clark's contract was not renewed. Luhnow expressed a desire to add a coach with middle infield experience to help Jose Altuve and Jonathon Villar up the middle, and that coach may fill the void left by Clarkie at first. Fingers crossed for an Adam Everett promotion. 

     Letting go Dennis Martinez came as a bit of a surprise. Granted, the bullpen was the worst thing to happen to this nation since the recent depression, but I doubt Martinez should be held very accountable in that regard. Luhnow did confirm that Brocail and Martinez had disagreements early in the season, its unknown in what manner they disagreed upon, but nonetheless they were not always on the same page apparently. It's safe to assume that Martinez didn't buy in fully to the Astros pitching philosophy. Luhnow also said that the new pitching coach will have say in selecting the new bullpen coach, so this would seem to be a move made to avoid any future disagreements.

     Lastly, the movement of Brocail. I'm excited about this one. There are two vital tools that a pitching coach brings to the table, knowledge of mechanics and the application of them, as well as the mental side to pitching as far as mentality, strategy, and overall mental toughness. Although I really do not know a whole lot about Doug Brocail the coach, I've read and heard that his instruction places heavy emphasis on the latter. That is certainly not a bad thing as I believe it greatly impacts and better equips a younger pitcher to throw effectively and mature at the major league level. However, there were little to no results of improvement among young arms over the last couple years he was at the helm, so I think a change was necessary. I am glad to see that he remains in the organization as I think he can help mentally mold younger arms not to mention he's a fantastic guy. Borcail will be working with pitchers in the system on a regular basis, and will also take an active role in scouting arms in the 2014 draft. 

     In summary, I like all the moves and am intrigued to see who will fill the roles left vacant. In Luhnow We Trust. Given the absence at major league pitching coach, I will now be fully endorsing the Roger Clemens 2014 campaign. One can dream. 

P.S. stay tuned for a series of coverage breaking down the mechanics of pitchers at the major and minor league level alike!