Carlos Gonzalez won his second Gold Glove this week making him the fourth player in franchise history to win it multiple times (Larry Walker, Todd Helton and Troy Tulowitzki). That was the good news for Colorado, unfortunately they had to watch former Rockie Marco Scutaro become the NLCS MVP and collect his first World Series ring with the division rival San Francisco Giants.
Aside from current and past player accolades, the Rockies lost reliever Josh Roenicke on waivers to the Minnesota Twins, and are also awaiting the announcement of the next manager of the franchise. Since the resignation of Jim Tracy, the front office has been interviewing potential candidates on a fairly short list. The Rockies thus far have interviewed current player Jason Giambi, former shortstop Walt Weiss, current bench coach Tom Runnells and are working on lining up an interview with Arizona Diamondbacks third base coach Matt Williams.
As Dick Monfort, Dan O’Dowd and Bill Geivett ponder on whom to make their minister of clubhouse propaganda, they also must face the likelihood that the fans will pan any selection they put forward. The Rockies faithful would like to see a favorite face on the top step of the dugout like Weiss or Giambi, but either of those two would be wise to steer clear of the mucky mess they would quickly find themselves in.
It would be unwise for anyone to take the job for any reason other than simply putting it on his resume when he is sent to the streets or resigns like Tracy did. If that weren’t the case, then why aren’t more known names being interviewed? It is well known by now the Rockies organization is not one to be excited to be a part of. The next manager faces an indifferent front office and a busted pitching rotation. It’s no wonder Roenicke opted for waivers instead of trying to reach a deal in arbitration, knowing if he remained here, he would get less money and a ton more work out of the bullpen because of poor starts.
The Rockies face an uphill battle this season and must play in the same division with a Giants team that has come to dominate the five-team division over the last few years and a Los Angeles Dodgers club that is on the upswing with a new ownership willing to spend money to become “the Yankees of the West.”