SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Just four years ago, Matt Blake was varsity pitching coach at Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School, about 20 miles outside of Boston. Next spring, the 34-year-old will be guiding the high-priced arms of the New York Yankees.
Blake replaces Larry Rothschild, who was fired after nine seasons following New York's loss to the Houston Astros in the ALCS. The Yankees formally announced the hiring Thursday.
"The biggest thing is just finding out where the player is at, and what it is that makes him tick," Blake said. "Across different ages or nationalities and cultures, you got to get to the root of what is it that they are seeking for help and then bring it to the edge of their learning zone, if you will.