Jim Tracy (left) replaced Clint Hurdle as the Rockies manager today
(AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Today the inevitable happened. The ground swell has been growing larger and larger over the recent weeks and today Dan O’Dowd and the Rockies did what everyone else expected they would do a month ago: fire Clint Hurdle.
Clint Hurdle has been managing the Rockies since 2002 and has only finished with a winning record once in his seven years with the club. In 2007, thanks to a magical run that had little or nothing to do with Hurdle and more to do with luck and once in a lifetime timing the Rockies finished above .500. Other than that the team hasn’t finished higher than third (2008) in the weak NL West under Hurdle. From 2002 to 2006 the Rockies finished fourth four times and fifth once. This year they are firmly entrenched in the cellar of the NL West.
Hurdle’s record with the Rockies is 534-625 for a .461 winning percentage.
Jim Tracy will replace Hurdle as the Rockies manager for the interim. Tracy most recently managed the Pittsburgh Pirates (Pirates Examiner) in 2006-2007. Tracy has also spent five seasons managing the Los Angeles Dodgers (Dodgers Examiner) from 2001-2005. His record as a major league manager is 562-572 (.496).
Bob Apodaca and Don Baylor both still have jobs with the Rockies as pitching and hitting coaches, respectively.
Tune into the Rockies game tonight on Fox Sports Rocky Mountain to see how they perform under new leadership.
Comments
Travis-
Is Tracy the long-term answer? If not, where do you think the Rox will turn when they look for someone for the long-term?
After the Yankees fire Joe Torre this year (the Yankees miss the playoffs) then the Rockies hire him to whip this young team into shape.
How will the Yankees fire the manager of the Dodgers?
Did you mean Joe Girardi? He's got a Colorado connection, so it wouldn't be a stretch.
Ya - I had a couple buddies point out my slip up, but I was too lazy to fix it or make another post. I suppose I have to now. Who knows, the Steinbrenners dislike him so much maybe they will try to fire him from 3000 miles away?
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!