He was Dusty Baker's pitching coach for 5 seasons from 1993 through 1997 at San Francisco. During Dick Pole's watch, the Giants had 2 winning seasons, one first place finish, two 2nds and two 4ths. Not a ringing endorsement of his skills handling a staff.
But to what extent can he be held responsible for the Reds 2009 pitching failings? Some close to the situation suggest that while a great guy, he's not an accomplished communicator. That he can't convey on the fly, the adjustments a pitcher needs to make to survive a rough spot or more recently, a rough start.
How else to explain heretofore serviceable, if not All-Star pitchers, being unable to weather two innings? One wonders if there is something physically wrong with Aaron Harang? How else to explain a veteran pitcher going winless for over 2 months. Or is he not getting the necessary feedback from his pitching coach?
And what about Johnny Cueto? He's making many of the same mistakes he made in April, if not the latter part of 2008.
In many ways Pole reminds you of Don Gullett, though Gully makes Dick seem like a blabbermouth. Ken Griffey, Sr., once told me, that Don had very little to say even to teammates. "He was just a real quiet guy", said Griff.
"If he wouldn't talk with a teammate, how well do you think he communicated with a young Latin pitcher facing a mid-inning crisis?"
One reason why Don Gullett is a former Reds pitching coach.
And you wonder if Dick's placid nature, doesn't contribute to the Reds as a staff, reluctance to pitch inside. That though is a trait which transcends his tenure.
To some, Dick's strongest suit is that he is a longtime friend of Dusty Baker's. Bob Castellini understands and respects loyalty. But that reverence will probably be tested after this most disappointing season.
