Royals Interview Dave Eiland For Pitching Coach

Dave Eiland, who threw 373 innings in the big leagues over ten years with the Yankees, Padres and Rays, interviewed for the vacant pitching coach position with the Royals today. Jon Heyman and Jerry Crasnick both tweeted the new item this afternoon.

Eiland was the pitching coach for the Yankees from 2008-2010. On his watch, the Yankees staff led New York to a World Series championship in 2009 and an ALCS loss in 2010. The highest team ERA during his tenure was 4.26, interestingly in the World Series season. The Yankees also struck out more than seven batters per nine innings while Eiland was with the team.

Of course, it helps to have C.C. Sabathia and Mariano Rivera, among others, but Eiland also worked with young pitchers like David Robertson and Ian Kennedy with the Yankees.

Ned Yost said early in the offseason that he was after a pitching coach who had survived in the big leagues with mediocre stuff. Eiland’s career 3.7 K/9 probably fits that bill.

No other candidates have been announced yet, but the Royals usually keep a tight lid on such matters.  There may not be any announcement until after the World Series.

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