November 28, 2021 – Duluth, MN:  Duluth General Manager Bill McKenzie announced on Saturday that AAA Madison pitching coach Cade Phillips has been demoted to the Single A Rapid City staff after an altercation with new Madison manager Eduardo Francisco overnight.

Reports from sources close to the team note that the staff was on a work-related team building retreat in Northern Minnesota (ice fishing, of course).  Augers were used, lines were cast.  Obviously, malted beverages were consumed.  Then various slights were said, leading to various punches being thrown.  Phillips and Francisco were separated by the rest of the staff to avoid serious physical damage to either coach.  The two coaches drove back to Duluth for a meeting with the team’s GM.  His announcement states that for the best interest of the Warrior organization and the individuals involved, the coaches will be retained but Phillips will be reassigned to Rapid City in 2022 to help foster the team’s youth movement.

Phillips can be credited for the continued development of three key prospects in 2021 at the AAA level.  Matt Allison had his best professional season, going 14-8 with a 2.79 ERA in 24 starts with the Cheeseheads.  Robinson Herrera went 12-7 with a 3.96 ERA at AAA only one season removed from graduation from Penn State.  Finally, top pitching prospect Paul Norris furthered the use of his newly learned sinker  to the tune of 6 wins in 12 starts with a 3.09 ERA and 9.6 K/9 under Phillips’ tutellage.

No word was given on replacement candidates for the new pitching coach vacancy at Madison.