[update at the bottom]
While America is busy weighing the choice for the next leader of this free nation of ours, the Rockies have decided to huddle up and decide if the six candidates interviewed so far hold the next team manager within their ranks.
Those that were interviewed include Tom Runnells (Rockies Bench coach), Jason Giambi (Rockies first baseman and “DH”), Walt Weiss (former Rockies shortstop), Jerry Manuel (former White Sox and Mets manager), Pete Mackanin (former Phillies bench coach) and Matt Williams (current Diamondbacks bench coach). A “source” has said the next manager will likely come from one of those six, but it isn’t impossible that the team could continue the search, possibly looking at Giants bench coach Ron Wotus.
Monfort, Dan O’Dowd and Geivett are scheduled to meet later in the week to narrow it down to just one.
So, what are your thoughts? Here are two polls, one based on who you would like to get the position and one to see who you think will get it, knowing the two don’t always coincide.
[poll id=”46″]
[poll id=”47″]
[Update] It looks like Manuel and Mackanin are out of the “running” for Rockies manager, which leaves us with four. Giambi, Weiss and Williams are invited back for more interviews while the two-day interviews with Runnells seems to be enough to keep him at home and still considered. There has also been word that the team won’t decide until next week at the soonest.
jare, one of the national talking heads is saying it’s between 4 people, Giambi, Runnells, Williams, or Weiss BUT then goes on with a qualifyer stating the Rockies may still interview Ausmus, Alomar, and Martinez. I hope Martinez stays with the Rays but he does deserve a shot. I have no clue. Twitter money seems to be on Giambi. If they do interview Ausmus then I would think he has a shot. I also believe Weiss would be a hug… Read more »
Something in me hopes that the “brain trust” knows that this whole mess a clown show, so they will pick a guy that the fans like a lot so that they don’t lose too many butts in the seats. If that’s the case, it’s Giambi or Weiss (I prefer Weiss). That being said, I’m not sure I even give the “brain trust” enough credit to think that… so if I was a betting man (on baseball), I’d say they’ll give… Read more »
The Rockies always talk a good game about doing innovative things and taking bold steps. But they always wind up doing the boring, predictable thing. 4-man rotation? We’re committed to it for the long term. The long term was 3 months. “Project 5183?’ Don’t expect any radical steps to deal with altitude ball. Geivett in the clubhouse? Don’t expect that new chain of command thing to last into spring training. So who’s the most boring candidate imaginable? I’d say a… Read more »
Ag, The other retread you may be referring to whose name has been thrown around is Pete Macanin(sp??). When I first heard Weiss was being mentioned as a possible manager I was against it, but as I’ve given it more thought the idea of him as manager has warmed up to me. He certainly would bring a grittiness to this team that has been lacking. He’s also worked under some very good managers in his career (LaRussa and Cox), so… Read more »
Off topic,I’d like to mention the passing of Joe Cullinane[sic]who passed away last week.I grew up in Rochester N.Y.in the 60’s listening to him broadcast my beloved Red Wings along with local Tom Decker on WHEC radio.As many of you remember he was here for early Rockies games,and I think even Denver Bears games at some point.Sorry about the incomplete facts but I’ve been in a month long move from Longmont to Loveland and have had little TV,Internet,or newsprint.Anyway,thanks Joe… Read more »
Joe was a class act. Many nights after fininshing up my STATs gig in the press box, I’d give him a ride home. Always loved his many rememberances.
When he was writing his book, I volunteered to put it in a Word Doc so that he could shop it for a publisher.
He will be missed.
I think most managerial candidates are not much of an upgrade. Typical. I am hoping for Walt Weiss because I like Kirk Gibson and Weiss comes closest to Gibson’s style of grit and fundamentals.
Ausmus should get a chance to interview. He’d be a huge help for Rosario
Unbelievable. The media can’t even get on the same page on who has REALLY interviewed. LMAO
The six i mentioned in the post above came from several sources: mlb.com, dp.com, mlbtr.com as well as twitter posts, so i think that it is pretty accurate as far as who was interviewed…I think raysfan is saying that there really are only four being considered, not that they only interviewed four…
I was told not to confuse “talking” with interviewing and let it go at that.
well man, you aparently have good contacts because the word is now that it is down to those four, with three being brought back for a second interview…i’ve updated the story above accordingly…
Jaredean, can we start a poll on this site? I’m interested in our rankings of these candidates. I can’t say for sure myself cause I have not read up on the them all. I kind of doubt the team will take the plunge with Giambi. I think after this last season they’re going to be in a mode of wanting to take the safest path. I kinda wish they would give him a shot though – it would certainly give… Read more »
dooh. I went to the last post and didn’t see the poll was already there. dufus.
ha! that is funny…i was thinking maybe you didn’t see the two polls at the top of this page – the one you want and the one you think will get it (regardless of who you want to get the position)…glad you found it and cast your vote!
I vote for Walt Weiss simply because (1) he isn’t a proven failure like some of the other guys on the list, (2) he’s actually won something before, and he’s actually succeeded as a player in MLB. Not that the second (or third) time around guys don’t sometimes work, and not that the failed players of the world don’t sometimes work. It’s just that it’s a change from the Hurdle/Tracy career path, and sometimes a change is a good thing.… Read more »
LaRussa and Duncan for bench coach and pitching coach.
just wait 15 years and you will see Seth Smith coaching the team…right about the time my kid is the starting shortstop…
JD, my first thought was “cool..can my boy (who’s now 3) start 2nd for the double play combo? But I’d rather have him play with my Sun Devils when he’s 18…graduate..then play for the Rox! 🙂
I’m coming around to Weiss pretty quickly (not that it matters). By all accounts he’s a smart dude. He’s been in the Rox organization as a player and as a coach/special assistant. But, he’s hasn’t been around the last several years, so he’s not Tracy tainted. Sort of an outsider who’s really an insider.
Thomas Harding of MLB.com today writes that an announcement on a new manager is being delayed about a week because BIB DOD is going to be out of town this weekend and won’t be able to meet with the Rockies “braintrust” to make a decision. Furthermore, he will also be out of town next week to attend the GM meetings. Is anyone as confused as I am as to what exactly is BIB DOD’s role in this organization? As has… Read more »
Cisco, I’d guess that the Monforts themselves haven’t even figured out where O’Dowd’s authority begins and ends under the new system. I think there’s probably some core baseball business operations that have remained with O’Dowd, things like representing the Rockies at the winter meetings, maybe negotiating contracts (with the club’s lawyers and financial guys), maybe some of the old Keli McGregor “President” functions that O’Dowd has picked up without getting the title he wanted if Murray Chass is correct. I… Read more »
Untenable, bifurcate, emasculated?
Ag, you really had me searching for my Funk & Wagnells this morning.
Ag, you give them more credit than I do. The fact they’re waiting for O’Dowd signals either #1 or #2-A which you note are untenable and chaotic, thus making them a more likely choice IMHO. Question is whether the main purpose of putting Geivett’s office in the clubhouse was to get JT to quit, ease O’Dowd out of his GM duties, or both? I hope you’re right and they’re waiting for O’Dowd’s return so they can dismiss him at the… Read more »
As of 2:30 pm Nov. 2, I see the majority of those polled want Weiss, the most exciting choice, but we think it will be Runnells, the most boring choice. Weiss was one of my favorite players and it would be good to see him in a Rockies uniform again. I can also see the clueless Monforts pandering to fans by choosing Giambi. Other teams might pander to fans by putting a winning team on the field, but that is… Read more »
I was sent a link to the story Kiszla wrote this afternoon. After reading it, I absolutely had to read the comments. Give it a read.
Almost forgot. The Rockies lost Josh Roenicke and Moscoso today.
They took Roenicke off the roster to make room for Josh Sullivan, a 28-year old reliever that hasn’t made it above AA. Unbelievable!
According to the DP, several teammates were upset when the news went around that Roenicke is no longer on the team. Of course they’re upset, not only was he popular in the clubhouse, but he was perhaps their best reliever last season. What will this do for the clubhouse culture?
What a freaking scene in must be at Coors. Was this move made while Dan O’Dowd was out of town? I mean, nothing can possibly be done without HIM in town? Right? So you got Dumb and Dumber running the Rockies. I wouldn’t trust these two morons with a lemonade stand. The fucking idiots would sell it all for less than the cost of the freaking cups to put it in. There is organizational ineptitude. Didn’t something just like this… Read more »
Yes it is. For me it’s almost like a re-run. Tampa Bay Rays, the Early Years. lol
I don’t really understand the need to let Roenicke go. I don’t think he’s even arbitration eligible, so it doesn’t appear to be a salary thing. But I’m not exactly fuming about it either. Roenicke and Moscoso (and Putnam, and Field) are all classic replacement-level guys. Roenicke’s results were way better than his component stats (BB, HR, K/9) last year, so he’s really unlikely to do that well next year. Moscoso is the opposite: lucky in 2011 (which made O’Dowd… Read more »
Maybe they figure they used up Roenicke’s arm this year, but as Prog points out, he was worth something. Instead, we’ll trade someone else to get more noodle-arms to throw against the wall and see who sticks. I’m starting to feel like a Cleveland fan in the movie, Major League.
Charlie Donovan: How would you like to manage the ROCKIES this year?
Lou Brown: Gee, I don’t know…
Charlie Donovan: What do you mean, you don’t know? This is your chance to manage in the big leagues.
Lou Brown: Let me get back to you, will ya, Charlie? I got a guy on the other line asking about some white walls.
Brilliant TJ…absolutley brilliant!! I’m weighing in that I don’t care a whit who becomes the new manager…next season will fall into place both hitting-wise and defense-wise. The team members from last year had to be embarassed beyond words…they will, hopefully, step up to prove their peers and fan base wrong. Only growing/regressing maturity and execution will matter. FOPOTulo, Cargo and to a lesser extent, Helton will need to lead by example. The rest will “follow their lead”…and the season, from… Read more »
good to see you again Ed. Hope all is well buddy! Look forward to seeing you in the Spring!
So who thinks Matt Williams will say yes? Who thinks during the start of election coverage the Rockies will make the announcement? :>) I’m just wondering
You may have hit the nail on the head. The clown show will announce the manager today when everyone is obsessed with election returns. As the pollsters would say: Who do you want to win – Weiss. Who do you think will win – Runnells.
Has an offer been made? If so, I think he’d take it. I don’t think he has the leverage that other guys have.
According to the Denver Post Weiss and Williams are now the two finalists. Runnels and Giambi have been eliminated. Since I think Weiss and Williams were the two best candidates I’m having a hard time figuring out how the Rockies are making a good decision. They usually don’t.
And if you haven’t voted and you are reading this before the polls close, please vote. Unless of course you are voting for the guy I don’t like.
Read the same thing this morning in the Denver Post; sounds like it’s down to Weiss & Matt Williams. The DP article seemed to imply that they were going to choose Weiss but after talking to Williams they like him. I would be ok with both guys, but I lean towards Matt Williams. He has the same blue collar, tough-guy mentality as Kirk Gibson. I like him even more when Kevin Towers (GM of Arizona) speaks glowingly of him. Lastly,… Read more »
I do think of the 4 these are the 2 best candidates, but not saying too much.
Would be fine seeing a core coaching staff of either Weiss or Williams as Manager, the other as bench coach, Giambi as hitting coach, then EY for the empty base coach.
I understand that BIB DOD, Geivett, and Dickie Boy are all at the GM meetings today. I sure hope that Dickie Boy goes around the room and gets to meet and know the names of the other GMs in baseball. While he’s at it, perhaps he can engage them in a little baseball talk. Maybe than he’ll come to the realization of what it is to have a real GM working for him.