DENVER -- Looking to produce their first winning season since 2010, the Rockies took a different route in their choice as manager. For the first time in franchise history, Colorado selected a former pitching coach as its field boss.
Bud Black is the new manager of the Rockies, according to multiple major league sources.
Black, 59, brings experience to a team that went 77-85 last season, finishing third in the National League West. The Rockies were in the wild card race deep into the summer before the bullpen imploded under former manager Walt Weiss' watch. Black will be counted on to improve the pitching staff, though reinforcements will be needed.
Multiple players reached by Denver7 on Sunday night applauded the choice. With the team looking to take the next step, there was a feeling in the clubhouse that a veteran manager was needed. Black posted a 649-713 record in nine seasons as the Padres manager. He won National League Manager of the Year honors in 2010, and finished top five in the voting in 2007 and 2012.
"I am happy," all-star third baseman Nolan Arenado told Denver7. "I have heard good things."
Black knows the perils of coaching at Coors Field, having played three series in Denver a year for nearly the last decade. He was almost hired as the Nationals manager a year ago before the job went to Dusty Baker. Black pitched 15 years in the major leagues, posting a 121-116 record with a 3.84 ERA in 398 games.
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