Cubs make Mark Riggins pitching coach

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LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- The Chicago Cubs hired Mark Riggins as their pitching coach on Monday.

Riggins, formerly the Cubs' minor league pitching coordinator, replaces Larry Rothschild, who left to become the New York Yankees pitching coach in November after nine years in that position with the Cubs.

Riggins, 53, joined the Cubs system in 2008 after 29 years in the St. Louis Cardinals organization as a minor league pitcher, minor league manager and coach, minor league pitching coordinator and major league pitching coach. His only stint as a major league pitching coach came in 1995, Joe Torre's last season as Cardinals manager.

Cubs bullpen coach Lester Strode was also under consideration for the pitching coach position. Strode will return to the same position for next season.

Riggins joins the staff of Mike Quade who was named manager this offseason also after a long minor league coaching career. Quade was the interim manager after Lou Piniella stepped down.

Bruce Levine covers baseball for ESPNChicago.com and ESPN 1000.

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Bruce Levine | email

Chicago baseball beat reporter

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Bruce Levine has covered sports in Chicago for over 28 years and hosts "Talkin' Baseball," heard Saturday mornings on ESPN 1000.