Phillies Lose Receiving Coach Driver to Cubs
The Phillies were suspected to be losing a coach or two to former manager Gabe Kapler, now in San Francisco. The club lost infield coach Bobby Dickerson to the San Diego Padres. The Phillies are now without another one of their coaches: receiving coach Craig Driver.
The Chicago Sun Times reported that Driver will join the staff of new manager David Ross:
The Cubs have hired former Phillies coach Craig Driver to fill the final spot on new manager David Ross’ coaching staff for 2020, sources confirmed Sunday.
Driver, 31, becomes the Cubs’ new first base coach and catching coach, an area he earned praise for his work with Phillies Gold Glove catcher J.T. Realmuto.
Driver will be reunited with Chris Young, who will serve as the bullpen coach for the Cubs.
The Phillies utilized Bob Stumpo and Driver as not just bullpen catchers, but coaches to the catching staff. Stumpo and Driver served in addition to bullpen coach Jim Gott. Driver and Stumpo were regularly seen doing drills with J.T. Realmuto and Andrew Knapp, and have indeed received praise for their success.
Meanwhile, the Phillies wait to see if they will lose any additional coaches to Kapler.