Desperate to improve their pitching, the Rockies are sharpening their focus on opposing hitters to speed up in-game adjustments.
The Rockies have added former big leaguer Andre Lipcius as a video advance scout, general manager Josh Byrnes told The Denver Post on Wednesday.
While some details are being ironed out, Lipcius will be with the team at home and on the road and compile reports on the opposing team’s offense. Advance scouts have been around for years, including a video role Byrnes once filled more than three decades ago.
Lipcius’ assignment will be more nuanced, creating avenues for him to exchange and feed information to help the attack plan as the game remains in progress. Adjustments were lacking last season as no team was outscored in the first two innings more than the Rockies.
“I want him totally focused on their hitters. That is his lane,” Byrnes said. “(Hitting instructor Brett) Pill can do it for pitchers.”
Lipcius is 28 and played in the Mexican League as an infielder as recently as this winter. A former 2019 third-round draft choice by the Detroit Tigers, the one-time University of Tennessee standout reached the big leagues in 2023.
After his 13-game cameo, he joined the Dodgers organization, starring for the Triple-A Oklahoma City affiliate, where his path crossed with Byrnes.
“He has the motor to do it. He knows what we are looking for,” Byrnes said. “We can have all the charts that inform the players. But we need it relayed in shorter, cleaner takeaways with adjustability as we go.”
Why Katz in Denver?
In seeking a new pitching coach, president of baseball operations Paul DePodesta and Byrnes believe they found a fit in Ethan Katz.
“Going through references, his coaching in the minors, the coaching in his big league stops, Ethan is very good with players. He knows how to individualize his plan,” Byrnes said. “There are a lot of examples where he has helped pitchers turn the corner.”
The coaches fell out of alignment last season when injuries struck the rotation after the first month. Alon Leichman was fired last month after one season leading the pitchers.
Assistant pitching coach Gabe Ribas and bullpen coach Matt Buschmann have been asked to return. Katz will be charged with improving a pitching staff that has posted the league’s worst ERA in five consecutive seasons.
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