Rockies Hire Ethan Katz As Pitching Coach

The Rockies announced they’ve hired Ethan Katz as their new pitching coach. Thomas Harding of MLB.com reported the news shortly before it was official. Harding also reports that former MLB infielder Andre Lipcius is joining the staff as game-planning coach, where he’ll replace retiring assistant bench coach Ronnie Gideon. The team has not yet confirmed the Lipcius hire.

Katz takes over for Alon Leichman, who was dismissed after one year in the role. He’ll have his work cut out for him in taking on Coors Field with arguably the least talented pitching staff in the majors. Colorado was last in ERA (5.59) and strikeout rate (17.5%) for a fifth straight season. The ballpark certainly plays into…