Report: Phillies to Make an Offer to Roger McDowell to Replace Rice Dubee

According to a report by FOX Sports' major league baseball reporter Ken Rosenthal the Phillies are targeting Braves pitching coach Roger McDowell to be their next pitching coach, replacing Rich Dubee.

The Braves have asked McDowell back, but he's not under contract and seems likely to interview with the Phillies before making a decision.

Much like Chip Kelly's decision on who the defensive coordinator was, Ryne Sandberg must pick a guy he can trust to deal with a pitching staff that has talent, youth and inexperience all on the same roster.

The person who gets this job must be able to deal with big names like Cliff Lee and Cole Hamels, but also help develop a bullpen that will most likely be made up of young, unproven arms. One attractive stat when looking at McDowell - the Braves led the majors in bullpen ERA (2.46) in 2013.

While with Atlanta, the braves have the best ERA in the game dating back to 2009, he was hired in 2005 replacing long-time Braves pitchign coach Leo Mazzone.

McDowell, 52, pitched for the Phillies for two seasons during a 12-year playing career.