Sometimes it's easier to put these things into a question-and-answer format, and since I've gotten a bunch of questions from readers about what's next for the Orioles and their pitching coach situation, that's what we'll do.
If you want to take a look at potential candidates, check out this piece that ran Friday morning.
What type/style of pitching coach will the Orioles seek?
My sense is they are looking for experience. Manager Buck Showalter has a rather experienced staff, and I think he'll add to that with someone who has already done the job in the majors. I wouldn't say the new hire absolutely has to have been a major league pitching coach in the past, but I think that is the way Showalter and executive vice president Dan Duquette will be leaning. Showalter's not a fan of wallflowers, either. So expect the pitching coach to be someone not afraid to speak his mind.
Whose decision is this, Showalter's or Duquette's?
My sense is that it will be a joint decision. Duquette's ultimately the boss, but it is Showalter's staff, and he has to be comfortable with whoever takes the job. I'm not sure which has more say in this matter, but I assume that it won't come to that. Remember, Showalter has had four pitching coaches, but Mark Connor was the only one he hired for that specific role. So this is a big decision for him and the club, and I'm sure Duquette sees it that way as well.
Will they promote from within?
I think it is possible, but it's more likely they hire someone from outside. I think they'd like a fresh voice and someone who has had success in another organization. That said, if they can't find the right person from outside, they could look internally. Bill Castro, who took over for Rick Adair in August, is apparently still in the mix, though I think it is more likely he ends up in another role in the organization or, potentially, back in charge of the bullpen.