NEW YORK – Larry Rothschild couldn't resist the chance to spend spring training at home.
So he quit as pitching coach of the Chicago Cubs on Friday to take the same job with the New York Yankees.
"I didn't feel like it was time to leave the Cubs. It was time family-wise when this opportunity came along that the decision became relatively easy because of that," he said. "And the opportunity with the Yankees doesn't come along every day."
Rothschild lives close to the Yankees' Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Fla.
"We understand his reasons for pursuing the opportunity with the Yankees and agree he is making the right decision by his family," Cubs general manager Jim Hendry said.
Rothschild replaces Dave Eiland, fired in October. General manager Brian Cashman said at the time the decision was his and the reason was private, though it had nothing to do with the Yankees' loss to the Texas Rangers in the AL championship series.
Rothschild had been pitching coach of the Cubs since 2002. He was Tampa Bay's first manager from 1998 to April 2001 and was pitching coach of Cincinnati from 1992-93 and Florida from 1995-97.
New York gave Rothschild a three-year contract. The Yankees had him analyze video of CC Sabathia, A.J. Burnett and Phil Hughes and opposition batters as part of the interview process.
"He is above all else an excellent teacher, who brings a professional attitude and a keen sense of preparation to his craft," manager Joe Girardi said in a statement.
Girardi was a catcher for the Cubs in Rothschild's first season as Chicago's pitching coach.
"We were comfortable together," Rothschild said.
Rothschild's father is a Yankees fan, and the new pitching coach hopes the switch will help persuade his dad to move to Florida.
NOTES
RHP Jonathan Albaladejo was released to allow him to sign with a Japanese club. The 28-year-old has spent the last three seasons with the Yankees and had a 3.97 ERA in 10 games and 11 1-3 innings this year. … New York acquired minor league OF Cody Johnson, a 2006 first-round draft pick, from Atlanta for cash. He hit .212 with 18 homers and 60 RBIs at Class A and Double-A this year. … RHP Dellin Betances, INF Brandon Laird and RHP Ryan Pope were added to the 40-man roster.