Cards' Strom takes job as Astros' pitching coach

ST. LOUIS -- Brent Strom, whose coaching techniques were described by general manager John Mozeliak as "creative and innovative," has left his post as the Cardinals' Minor League pitching coordinator to become the Astros' next Major League pitching coach.

"I had some wonderful years with the Cardinals that I'll cherish forever," Strom told MLB.com, a few days after officially accepting the position. "They're great people to work for, work with. This is a new challenge for me, and the big thing is [Astros general manager] Jeff Luhnow brought me aboard with the Cardinals and really allowed me to work over there and do some things he thought would be beneficial. Hopefully we can do some of that here with the guys that they have in place here, who are excellent."

Strom spent the last seven years working with young pitchers as a roving instructor in the Cardinals' Minor League system. He focused heavily on the mechanics of pitching and incorporated much video in his instruction.

"He did a tremendous job," Mozeliak said. "I think the structure and what he implemented in our Minor League system is something that, even though he's gone, we intend to carry on."

Mozeliak said it was too early to comment on the likelihood of the position being filled by an internal candidate.