RockieBill
10-20-2001, 10:37 AM
Lach's exit creates an undeniable void in the Rockie's coaching staff. Regarded as one of the game's best pitching coaches because of his ability to correct mechanics and soothe fragile minds, Lachemann helped restore a measure of respect (albeit however small) to the Rockies' staff.
In 1999, the year before he took over, Colorado posted a 6.01 ERA with a National League-record 737 walks. During Lach's watch, the Rockies finished with a 5.26 ERA, 588 walks in 2000 and 5.29 ERA, 511 walks this season.
GM Dan O'Dowd acknowledged Wednesday that he's trying to keep Lachemann in the organization in a special-assistant role.
Given his vast experience and the lessons learned during two years of teaching at altitude, the 60-year-old would be a valuable asset for a franchise that is always trying to improve its pitching.
"It didn't surprise me that Lach (stepped down). But we still would like to have him to be part of what we are doing," O'Dowd said. "He could work in player development or help with scouting."
In 1999, the year before he took over, Colorado posted a 6.01 ERA with a National League-record 737 walks. During Lach's watch, the Rockies finished with a 5.26 ERA, 588 walks in 2000 and 5.29 ERA, 511 walks this season.
GM Dan O'Dowd acknowledged Wednesday that he's trying to keep Lachemann in the organization in a special-assistant role.
Given his vast experience and the lessons learned during two years of teaching at altitude, the 60-year-old would be a valuable asset for a franchise that is always trying to improve its pitching.
"It didn't surprise me that Lach (stepped down). But we still would like to have him to be part of what we are doing," O'Dowd said. "He could work in player development or help with scouting."