TAMPA – Though several Yankees officials insist decisions haven’t been made about next year’s coaching staff, speculation is growing that Ron Guidry won’t be asked back for a third year as the pitching coach.
GM Brian Cashman says a coaching staff can’t be constructed until he knows who the manager is, and it wasn’t decided yesterday if Joe Torre is going to be asked back or sent packing.
Guidry, who finished his second year, was picked by Torre to replace Mel Stottlemyre, but it’s not a lock that Guidry returns if Torre does since there are voices in the organization who want Dave Eiland to continue to nurture the young arms he worked with this year in the minor-league system.
Phil Hughes, Joba Chamberlain and Ian Kennedy all praised Eiland for the work he did with them at Scranton/Wilkes- Barre (Triple-A). Eiland, a former Yankee pitcher, was with the Yankees for the final month of the season plus the ALDS loss to the Indians.
Guidry, an all-time Yankees great whose No. 49 has been retired, likely will be replaced if Torre doesn’t return. Eiland, 41, completed is fifth season in the Yankees’ system. He spent 10 years in the big leagues (Yankees, Padres and Devil Rays) before two Tommy John surgeries forced him out of the game in 2002.
If Guidry survives, Eiland could take over for bullpen coach Joe Kerrigan, who may not be asked back.