May 29, 2009

Tripping Over the Hurdle

The Rockies relieved Clint Hurdle of his managerial duties.

Clint Hurdle’s seven-year run as the Rockies’ manager will end today, according to a major-league source. With an off day to discuss the situation, the Rockies are poised to make a change given that their poor start has begun to affect attendance and fan interest.

The team has scheduled a 2:30 p.m. news conference to announce the change. Bench coach Jim Tracy will be promoted to interim manager.

The Dodgers broomed the Rockies at Coors Field Wednesday, outscoring them 31-13 in the series and sending them a season-high 10 games under .500. The ugly losses — every game featured a big inning from the Dodgers — intensified speculation that Hurdle might be let go. While blaming themselves for the poor performance, multiple players said they expected a move. That talk was based on the team’s home (7-13) and overall record (18-28).

The unfortunate truth is that 2007 was the only year under Hurdle the Rockies won more than the lost. Outside of that season, his high in wins was 76. He managed that 2007 team well, but a brief bit of magic wasn’t enough to keep him in the job.

1 thought on “Tripping Over the Hurdle

  1. Theron

    Is Jim Tracy really an upgrade? They should consider themselves lucky if he doesn’t screw up any players for the rest of the season. Maybe he can bring in Jim Colborn and wreck the pitching staff.

    ReplyReply

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