The Rockies announced a few changes to Bud Black’s coaching staff Monday afternoon. Reid Cornelius has joined Colorado as bullpen coach. Previous bullpen coach Darryl Scott is stepping up to take on the pitching coach position, as had already been reported, a role vacated when Steve Foster resigned to spend more time with his family.
Colorado is also bringing on Andy González and P.J. Pilittere as assistant hitting coaches. (Nick Groke of the Athletic reported González was assuming a role on staff shortly before the Rockies' announcement). They’ll work alongside Dave Magadan, who is returning as hitting coach in 2022. Also reprising the same roles they held this past season are third base coach Stu Cole, first base coach Ron Gideon and bench coach Mike Redmond.
Cornelius comes over from the Marlins, with whom he spent the 2021 campaign as the pitching rehab coach. The 51-year-old, who pitched in the big leagues with the Expos, Mets and Marlins from 1995-2000, has spent the better part of two decades in various coaching positions. That includes a seven-year run as Miami bullpen coach from 2010-16, giving him ample familiarity with the role he’ll be assuming in Colorado.
González also has a bit of MLB playing experience, having suited up for the White Sox, Indians and Marlins between 2007-09. The 39-year-old has been in the Rockies’ organization for some time, having spent the past seven seasons in coaching and player development on the minor league staff.
Pilittere comes over from the Yankees, with whom he had held the same assistant hitting coach title for the past four seasons. The 40-year-old’s contract with the Bronx Bombers was not renewed at the end of the 2021 season, setting him up to land in Colorado. Before his stint on the Yankees’ big-league coaching staff, Pilittere spent five seasons coaching in the Bombers' farm system.
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