Rockies announce 2015 Major League Field Staff
Steve Foster named Pitching Coach, Darren Holmes named Bullpen Coach
DENVER - The Colorado Rockies announced today that the club has finalized their 2015 Field Staff under Manager Walt Weiss. Below is the breakdown by role for the Rockies 2015 field staff. A * indicates the coach is new to the staff in 2015.
Manager: Walt Weiss Bench Coach: Tom Runnells Pitching Coach: Steve Foster*
Hitting Coach: Blake Doyle Third Base Coach: Stu Cole First Base Coach: Eric Young Sr.
Bullpen Coach: Darren Holmes* Catching/Defensive Coordinator: Rene Lachemann
"We're very excited about adding Steve and Darren to our staff. Both men have great reputations in the game and will bring knowledge, wisdom and energy every day," said Rockies Manager Walt Weiss. "Steve has been instrumental in the development and success of the young Kansas City Royals pitchers. We are very fortunate to be able to bring in a coach of his caliber and character. Steve is a gifted pitching coach and communicator, which became very evident throughout the interview process."
"Darren had the reputation as a tough competitor during his playing career and has first-hand experience pitching in Colorado for five years," said Weiss. "He has a great feel for the biomechanics of pitching, and the mental toughness it takes to be successful in this league. These two men will be great additions to our outstanding coaching staff."
Foster, 48, will join his third Major League field staff in Colorado, after previously serving as the bullpen coach for the Kansas City Royals (2010-12) and the Miami Marlins (2007-09). Foster comes to Colorado after serving as Special Assistant to the General Manager/Pitching Coordinator for the Royals from 2012-14. Prior to joining the Royals in 2010, Foster spent five seasons with the Marlins organization, including two as the pitching coach for Class-A Greensboro (2005-06). The Dallas, Tex. native has also been a member of the Tampa Bay Rays organization, where he served as a scout (1996, 1999-2000). The former Major League pitcher spent three seasons in the Majors with the Cincinnati Reds (1991-93) before suffering a shoulder injury that ended his career. During his three seasons, Foster went 3-3 with a 2.41 ERA (89.2 ip, 24 er), 22 walks and 61 strikeouts in 59 games/one start.
Holmes, 48, returns to the Rockies organization where he spent five seasons as a member of the club's bullpen (1993-97). Holmes was drafted by the Rockies from the Brewers in the 5th round of the 1992 expansion draft and was a member of the Rockies inaugural Opening Day roster in 1993. As a Rockie, Holmes went 23-13 with 46 saves and a 4.42 ERA (328.0 ip, 161 er) in 263 games/6 starts. Holmes' 46 saves still rank sixth in franchise history, while his 263 games pitched rank 11th. The Asheville, N.C. native pitched in parts of 13 Major League seasons with the Dodgers (1990), Brewers (1991-92), Rockies (1993-97), Yankees (1998), Diamondbacks (1999-2000), Cardinals (2000), Orioles (2000) and Braves (2002-03). Holmes joins the Rockies after spending the 2014 season with the Atlanta Braves as their Biomechanics Pitching Consultant.
"We are extremely excited to bring aboard two quality men in Steve Foster and Darren Holmes," said Rockies Senior Vice President/General Manager Jeff Bridich. "They will collectively add valuable experience and perspective to our Major League process