Throughout the managerial tenures of Grady Little, Joe Torre, Don Mattingly, and now Dave Roberts, not much has remained the same in the historic franchise of the Los Angeles Dodgers. However, one shining model of consistency is found in pitching coach Rick Honeycutt.
After reportedly agreeing to return with the Dodgers on a two-year deal, the 61 year old will continue to guide the pitching staff before transitioning to a new role.
Honeycutt began his tenure with the Dodgers in 2001 as a pitching consultant. In 2002, he became the Minor League pitching coordinator and in 2006, became the Major League pitching coach.
After spending time both as a starter and relief pitcher during his 21-season career, Honeycutt has taken his findings over the years to establish a strong base to coach by.
His understanding of mechanics, creating a proper base, and ability to converse and connect with the pitching staff have contributed to Honeycutt’s sustained success.
Brett Anderson, who worked with Honeycutt for the first time last season, had a positive review of his pitching coach, via Cary Osborne of Dodger Insider:
“He can mesh with anybody,” said Brett Anderson. “He’s not going to overly exert himself and throw himself upon you. If he feels like he can help you, more often than not, it’s right. For me, I couldn’t match up better personality-wise than with him. It’s not talking about baseball mechanics just to do it. There’s obviously some meaning and reason behind it.”
While Anderson was in his first year with the Dodgers, Clayton Kershaw is a product of the organization. Thus, the southpaw has plenty of experience in working with Honeycutt. Kershaw also spoke highly of the job he’s done:
“During the game I’m not very talkative, so he does the best he can. It’s tough. There are so many different guys with so many different personalities and how to talk. I get upset when I don’t pitch well, and he just knows what to say. At the end of the day, we’re all building for the same thing, trying to get everybody outs. (He’s) a good calming presence.”
As for Honeycutt’s perspective, he’s proud of his ability to remain consistent with all pitchers he works with:
“I think the most pride that I have is I feel like I’m consistent,” Honeycutt said. “I’m consistent with my approach to every player, every pitcher. I’m consistent with how I try to prepare them and how I ask them to prepare, and I think that’s really the separator there.”
The Dodgers pitching staff last season ranked fifth overall with a 3.46 ERA and third with a 1.18 WHIP. Moreover, their 23.5 strikeout percentage was good for third-best in the Majors.
