NewsAstros coaches get acquainted in Phoenix
Discussions about bullpen coach, roster decisions on tap
By Brian McTaggart / MLB.com
11/03/09 4:15 PM EST
The Astros' new coaching staff -- which is still without a bullpen coach -- met for the first time as a group Tuesday morning in the Phoenix area, along with several members of the front office who are in town to watch the club's prospects play in the Arizona Fall LeagueHouston manager Brad Mills used the opportunity to familiarize himself with his staff, which includes bench coach Al Pedrique, hitting coach Sean Berry, pitching coach Brad Arnsberg, third-base coach Dave Clark and first-base coach Bobby Meacham.
General manager Ed Wade; assistant general managers Ricky Bennett, David Gottfried and Bobby Heck; special adviser Matt Galante; and national cross-checker David Post were also in Arizona, where Wade will stay through Friday before getting ready for next week's General Managers' Meetings in Chicago.
"It was a chance for Brad [Mills], particularly, to get together those guys, and we had a chance to sit down as a group earlier today and talk about the club a little bit and some of the processes and procedures that Millsie is expected to follow when Spring Training begins," Wade said. "It was more a get-acquainted meeting more than anything."
Wade and Mills have been going over candidates for the vacant bullpen coach, whose primary function will be to make sure relievers get prepared at the right time while controlling everything that happens in the bullpen during the game.
"There are different schools of thought," Wade said. "Does it make more sense for that individual to be a former catcher, so he can give catching instruction along the way, or is having a former pitcher more effective?
"We have some really strong candidates. Several guys who have extensive playing experience and coaching experience are available right now. We'll get as much background information as we can to make the right decision. Ultimately, it's up to Millsie to have a comfort level with the individual."
While in Arizona, the Astros are also going over looming roster decisions. Houston must have its 40-man roster set by Nov. 20 to protect players from being selected in next month's Rule 5 Draft. Also, the Astros are poring over six-year Minor League free agents.
"We're going to be out there and be aggressive as we can, and it should be a strong group of guys," Wade said. "Before you know it, we'll be into the Major League filing period and the General Managers' Meetings and Winter Meetings and a chance to talk about trades."
Brian McTaggart is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
