Cubs Hire Jim Hickey as Pitching Coach
The week of coaching staff changes continues as the Cubs have now officially named Jim Hickey their new pitching coach. When Hickey and the Rays parted ways early in October, it got the attention of Cubs fans as the relationship between Joe Maddon and Jim Hickey was undeniable. The Cubs parted ways with Chris Bosio earlier this week, making it seem like a foregone conclusion that Hickey would be making his way to Chicago. So it’s certainly not surprising that the move was made official today.
Patrick Mooney of NBC Sports Chicago had reported that the hiring was imminent and Mark Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times was first to call it official.
It’s official, former #Rays pitching coach Jim Hickey is going to #Cubs
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) October 26, 2017
Multi year deal for Hickey with #Cubs, where he rejoins Maddon, has veteran staff and contending team. Parted ways with #Rays after season
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) October 26, 2017
Hickey began his tenure as the Rays pitching coach in November of 2006, working alongside Joe Maddon until the manager left for the Cubs. Over his 11 seasons as pitching coach (2007-17), the Rays were second in the AL in strikeouts (13,988), while leading the AL in WHIP (1.28), opp avg. (.243) and ERA (3.95).
When Theo Epstein gave his end-of-year press conference, he made it quite clear that the pitching staff needed to make improvements. In addition to pending roster changes this offseason, the hiring of Jim Hickey will obviously play a significant role toward that goal.
