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Baltimore Orioles: Rick Peterson won’t return to Orioles next season

By Delia Enriquez

Apr 12, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; The Baltimore Orioles mascot waves the American flag during the seventh inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. The Blue Jays won 10-7. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 12, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; The Baltimore Orioles mascot waves the American flag during the seventh inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. The Blue Jays won 10-7. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Baltimore Orioles are making some big changes in their minor league system. That means a former minor league coach will no longer be in the fold next season.

The Baltimore Orioles are making major changes to their minor league coaching staff next season. And as a result, the team has relieved Rick Peterson of his duties as the director of pitching development.

Rumors had went around regarding Peterson’s dismissal before Orioles vice president Dan Duquette confirmed it on Sunday afternoon.

Peterson was hired in January 2012 after he was a pitching coach for the New York Mets, Oakland Athletics and Milwaukee Brewers. He was the Toronto Blue Jays pitching coordinator in 1996, and was the Pittsburgh Pirates bullpen coach from 1994 to 1996.

Duquette said the following regarding Peterson leaving the Orioles:

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"“I appreciate Rick Peterson’s effort and good work for five years to develop pitching at all levels and wish him well. Rick has a solid track record helping pitchers and is well-respected throughout baseball.”"

Peterson had his critics in baseball, because he believed biomechanical research and psychological principle will help a player improve their arm motion. Many didn’t believe in his work. Others did, and it was clear he was appreciated in the Orioles organization.

The Orioles also revealed Peterson was never going to be considered for the pitching and bullpen coach positions.

So far the Orioles have interviewed the following people for the pitching and bullpen coach positions:

  1. Double-A pitching coach Alan Mills
  2. Atlanta Braves pitching coach Roger McDowell
  3. Triple-A Las Vegas pitching coach Frank Viola
  4. Cardinals minor league pitching coordinator Tim Levesque
  5. Texas Rangers minor league pitching coordinator Danny Clark

Next: Orioles announce Top 10 prospects

The Orioles will continue to undergo interviews and will make a decision next week.

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