According to Jack Curry, the Yankees interviewed David Cone last week for the vacant pitching coach job.
Hell yes.
Cone met with Cashman, Boone and other members of the Yankees baseball operations department for several hours. Called it an “interesting” process and was glad he had the chance to do it. Said he’s not sure where things will go from here.
— Jack Curry (@JackCurryYES) November 5, 2019
On Twitter, Cone is The People’s Choice. His pitching knowledge and willingness to look at the sabermetrics shines through on YES broadcasts, and his experience playing under the bright lights in the Bronx can only help the current Yankees as they’re trying to learn how to win when it matters most.
When Twitter began to buzz about Cone replacing Larry Rothschild, Curry gave an insight into what kind of coach Cone would be:
As a pitching coach, David Cone would stress pitching to your strengths, not a batter's weaknesses. He'd treat everyone individually because he hates "cloning" of pitchers. He'd remind them to be reporters on mound and read swings/reactions. He'd cite value of well-placed walk.
— Jack Curry (@JackCurryYES) October 31, 2019
More Cone…He’d emphasize importance of pitcher-catcher relationship and “dancing” together. He’d suggest tossing different pitches on both sides to confuse batters (X-Games). He’d reinforce that the best pitch is the one that’s thrown with conviction.
— Jack Curry (@JackCurryYES) October 31, 2019
Even more Cone…He'd want his pitchers to challenge themselves, trust their instincts & be mentally tough. And part of that toughness is rebounding from failure. He'd tell them "less is more" regarding control vs velocity. And he'd implore them to embrace being king of the hill
— Jack Curry (@JackCurryYES) October 31, 2019
There have also been reports that the Yankees are looking into hiring college coaches for the job — younger guys who are deeply involved in analytics.
But bring me David Cone.
Not just because, in my opinion, he’d be the perfect fit, but because I’m all for the nostalgia of seeing one of my childhood heroes and one of the key members of the last Yankees dynasty back in pinstripes in the dugout to warm my cold heart.
