Coaches seek catchers' input on pitchers

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- In a slight change from previous Spring Trainings, D-backs catchers have been meeting after every workout with pitching coach Mike Harkey, pitching consultant Dave Duncan, bullpen coach Mel Stottlemyre Jr. and manager Kirk Gibson.

The catchers share their opinions with the coaches about how they felt the pitchers they caught that day in bullpen or live batting practice sessions threw.

"In essence, you're trying to determine by the time we get to the season, let's say a guy has five pitches, what are his best pitches?" Gibson said. "What are his worst? We don't want to get beat by their worst pitch. That's why we're trying to determine what they have, what they're capable of doing, so we can decide how we want to game plan with their resources."

When asked about Harkey, Gibson said it was about time someone asked a question about the first-year pitching coach and doled out some heavy praise for him and the way he has made use of Duncan's experience.

"I think he's doing an excellent job," Gibson said. "He's done a great job. He understands how to utilize the resources that are there."