It was considered something of a coup when the Cincinnati Reds landed pitching coach Derek Johnson a few years back, what with his work within the National League Central with Milwaukee and his growing reputation within the game. The former Vanderbilt University pitching coach has long been credited as a soothsayer within the pitching community, and has been directly linked with the rejuvenation and improvements of pitchers both veteran and emerging, his work with the Reds staff over the last trio of seasons speaking for itself.
Keeping him on staff at all was a top priority this winter, therefore, especially as the season wore down and manager David Bell had yet to receive a contract extension beyond 2021.