Phillies active in search for pitching coach

PHILADELPHIA -- Former Phillies pitching coach Rich Dubee interviewed on Tuesday for the Orioles' pitching coach vacancy.

Meanwhile, the Phillies continue to search for his replacement.

Two possibilities to interview are Rod Nichols, who served as the Phillies' bullpen coach this season, and Marlins bullpen coach Reid Cornelius, whose candidacy was reported by the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. It's also likely the club has interviewed Triple-A pitching coach Ray Burris. But here is an interesting name to watch: Braves pitching coach Roger McDowell. Sources indicated Tuesday that the Phillies could approach McDowell about their vacancy.

McDowell has been invited to return to Atlanta next season, but he has not received an offer or signed a contract. A deal is expected before his contract for this season ends at the end of the month, but that could leave an opening for the Phillies to jump in.

McDowell, who pitched for the Phillies from 1989-91, has been Atlanta's pitching coach the past eight seasons. The Braves had several notable injuries to their pitching staff this season, but still posted a Major League-best 3.18 ERA. Braves pitchers and catchers routinely praise McDowell.

"We're still working through it," Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said last week about the club's pitching coach search. "We're still doing our due diligence. We've seen a few we've really liked, but we're continuing the search. We're still working through candidates."

McDowell, if approached, would be a big one.