Laurila: Q&A with Neil Allen on developing pitchers the Rays way in Minnesota

From SABR member David Laurila at FanGraphs on November 10, 2016:

Neil Allen will return as Minnesota Twins pitching coach in 2017. Expect to see more Tampa Bay Rays influence as a result.

Allen spent eight years coaching in the Rays system before coming to the Twin Cities prior to the 2015 season. He’s already incorporated a changeup philosophy since his arrival. The next steps — based on a conversation I had with him this summer — will likely include an increased emphasis on fastball command at the minor-league level.

Allen shared with me his thoughts on pitcher development, including how certain philosophies were implemented in his old organization. Given the success the Rays have had bringing quality arms to the big leagues, it should come as no surprise that he’d like to see many of them embraced within the Twins system.

Read the full article here: http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/neil-allen-on-developing-pitchers-the-rays-way-in-minnesota/



Originally published: November 10, 2016. Last Updated: November 10, 2016.