New Twins Pitching Coach Explains the Philosophy He'll Bring to Minnesota

The Minnesota Twins are turning to the Rays' pitching development system for their next pitching coach, and Brian Reith has already offered a pretty direct explanation of what he wants his pitchers to do.

"Throwing strikes is No. 1," Reith told reporters, according to MLB.com's Matthew Leach. "Getting to two strikes as quick as possible, then executing a pitch to get a guy out."

That philosophy will now guide a Minnesota staff that allowed the sixth-most runs in baseball last season, a result that ultimately cost Pete Maki his job. Reith spent the past five seasons coaching Triple-A Durham in Tampa Bay's organization, where he worked alongside some of the people behind the Rays' reputation for developing effective pitchers.

The Twins are hoping some of that approach can translate to Minnesota, particularly with several pitchers Reith already knows.

Taj Bradley spent time in the Rays' system while Reith was coaching there, and Joe Ryan also crossed paths with him. Eric Orze is another pitcher on Minnesota's 40-man roster whom Reith coached in Tampa Bay's organization.

That familiarity could help Reith get to work without spending the entire offseason learning the pitchers in front of him. Minnesota has established starters to build around, but it also has young arms looking for a more permanent place in the rotation and bullpen.

Reith's emphasis on getting ahead in counts suggests he wants to simplify the job. Rather than allowing hitters to dictate an at-bat, he wants his pitchers attacking early and then executing when they have the advantage.

Technology will also play a role in how he approaches the staff.

"We're going to utilize all the technology we can to get the delivery right so we can execute those pitches and go from there," Reith said.

This will be his first major-league coaching job, although he brings experience both as a player and as a minor-league instructor. Reith pitched in parts of three seasons with Cincinnati before moving into coaching, beginning his MLB coaching career in the Rays' organization.

There is still work to do before Minnesota's new pitching staff is fully assembled. The Twins also let assistant pitching coach Luis Ramirez go, and they have not announced a replacement. Reith said he is looking forward to building a group whose coaches complement one another, including in areas where he may need additional expertise.

That decision could say as much about the Twins' plans as the hire itself. Manager Derek Shelton has emphasized the importance of bringing together coaches with different strengths, and Reith will have a voice in shaping the staff around him.

For now, Minnesota has made its first major move toward addressing the pitching staff's struggles. Reith's challenge will be turning that straightforward philosophy into better results on the mound.