Colorado Rockies open to all options on new team manager – MLB News
After the resignation by Manager Jim Tracy on October 7, the Colorado Rockies have been on the lookout for another manager. They have already conducted interviews with two candidates internally, current bench coach Tom Runnel and third baseman Jason Giambi,
who is willing to hang his shoes up if given an opportunity to manage the Rockies.
In the latest development, the Rockies have shown willingness to consider external candidates as well. The names rumored to be potential candidates are Cleveland Indians’ bench coach Sandy Alomar Jr., Los Angeles Dodgers’ third-base coach Tim Wallach, Oakland
Athletics’ third-base coach Mike Gallego and front office special assistant for the San Diego Padres’ Brad Ausmus.
Giambi, who is currently considered a front runner for the job has received both support and criticism from various baseball quarters over his candidacy. His supporters argue that he is motivated and commands respect as he is more of a mentor to the young
Rockies’ players. Currently, he appears to be the best option out of the suggested lot. Critics argue that he does not have any real managing experience and may not be able to hold the fort for a team already in disarray.
Amongst the external candidates, Brad Ausmus has considerable Major League experience with 18 seasons under his belt with four different teams. The 43-year-old catcher was an All-Star player in 1999. Besides he has won the Golden Glove on three different
occasions.
Mike Gallego has previously had a four year association with the Rockies as a third-base and infield coach. Mike has a 12 years playing experience in the Major League. He played for three different teams during his tenure.
Tim Wallach, who is a five time All-Star, played in the MLB for 16 seasons with tree different teams. In the process, he also managed three Golden Gloves and two Silver Slugger awards for is excellence in the field and with the bat. He has had a fair amount
of coaching experience with successful Minor League coaching stint with Triple-A Albuquerque Isotopes, who are associated with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He has Major League experience with the Dodgers in various capacities in two different stints with the organisation.
Sandy Alomar Jr. comes from a family of baseball players with his father being a former Major League player and his brother a Hall of Fame second baseman Roberto Alomar. He himself has played in the Major Leagues for 19 seasons, representing seven different
teams. The 46-year-old is a six-time All-Star player. Sandy has been previously associated with New York Yankees and currently with Cleveland Indians, where he has taken various coaching assignments in the last three years.
The Colorado Rockies have already appointed Mark Wiley as the director of pitching operations. A good pick in the manager’s slot will be another welcome step for the organisation which is currently struggling both on and off the field.
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