Phillies hire Bob McClure as new pitching coach

By Aaron GleemanNov 21, 2013, 10:47 AM EST
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UPDATE: Salisbury says it’s a done deal and McClure is the Phillies’ new pitching coach.

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Numerous candidates have turned down a chance to become the Phillies’ new pitching coach, but Jim Salisbury of CSNPhilly.com reports that Bob McClure “has become the lead candidate” for the job.

McClure has served as a pitching coach for the Rockies, Royals, and Red Sox, but was fired by Boston in August of 2012 amid the Bobby Valentine-related mess and there were reports suggesting he was the leak of behind-the-scenes clubhouse details that surfaced.

Setting that aside, McClure has a ton of experience as a big-league pitching coach and … well, the Phillies are running out of other options at this point. Plus, just look at that mustache.

White Sox won’t make bid for Bryce Harper

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images
By Bill BaerFeb 21, 2019, 6:15 PM EST
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The White Sox won’t make a bid for free agent outfielder Bryce Harper, Bruce Levine of 670 The Score reports. Believed to be the favorites to land shortstop Manny Machado in free agency, the White Sox watched him ink a 10-year, $300 million contract with the Padres. The club is apparently content with its roster otherwise.

Harper would certainly be an upgrade in the outfield, which currently features Adam Engel, Nicky Delmonico, and Jon Jay. It will soon feature prospects Eloy Jiménez and Luis Robert.

Last season, Harper hit .249/.393/.496 with 34 hom eruns, 100 RBI, 103 runs scored, and 13 stolen bases in 695 plate appearances. He led all of baseball, drawing 130 walks. Harper is also a six-time All-Star who won the 2012 NL Rookie of the Year Award and the 2015 NL Most Valuable Player Award.

The Phillies are still believed to be the favorites to sign Harper and the club is confident it will land him, Matt Breen of the Philadelphia Daily News reports.