Friday, October 30, 2009

And the staff is almost finalized

With the hiring of Brad Arnsberg as Pitching Coach, the Astros have finalized their coaching staff.

(Update: Steve is correct. There's a bullpen coach remaining to be hired.)

Arnsberg has been the pitching coach for the Toronto Blue Jays since 2004. A timeline, if you will:

1994: Player/coach with the Wei-Chen Dragons of the Taiwan Professional Baseball League.
1995-96: Pitching Coach for Charleston in the South Atlantic League (Texas' affiliate).
1997-98: Pitching Coach for Double-A Tulsa
1999: Pitching Coach for Triple-A Oklahoma City
2000-01: Bullpen Coach/Pitching Coach for the Montreal Expos
2002-03: Pitching Coach for the Florida Marlins (until May 10, 2003 when he was dismissed along with then-manager Jeff Torborg)
2004: Pitching Coach for the Toronto's Triple-A affiliate in Syracuse
2005-October 30, 2009: Pitching Coach for Toronto Blue Jays

Remember that last name? Brad's brother, Tim, played in the Astros' organization from 1985-87. You better believe we'll be dissecting this in the next couple of days. For now, just rest easy, and enjoy your Friday night.