Pitching guru Bud Black is taking on a big challenge, as it was announced on Monday that he will become the new manager of the Colorado Rockies. Black takes over for Walt Weiss, who stepped down last month after four seasons with the team. Now the challenge for Black comes from playing 81 games in hitter-friendly Coors Field while trying to improve the Rockies' pitching staff.
Despite having talent like Jon Gray. Tyler Chatwood, Chad Bettis, and Tyler Anderson in the rotation, the Rockies ranked 13th out of 15 National League teams with a 4.91 team ERA this past season. Only the Reds and Diamondbacks ranked worse as a staff.
Those dismal numbers could've come from pitching in the thin air in Denver, Colorado, and proof of that comes from Chatwood having the major's best road ERA at 1.69.
Black managed nine seasons with the San Diego Padres before getting fired in June of 2015. He had a record of 649-713 with San Diego, including a 90-72 record in 2010, which lead to an NL Manager of the Year award. It was the most wins for the franchise since since they won 98 in 1998. Black nearly landed the Washington Nationals managerial position in 2015, but talks broke down and Dusty Baker landed the job.
Although Black inherits a struggling rotation, as well as a bullpen that blew 28 save chances last season, he also has an All-Star third baseman in Nolan Arenado and an NL Batting Champion in D.J. LeMahieu. The Rockies are coming off a 75-87 season, which is their best record since 2010, and Black only envisions this team moving up.
Despite having talent like Jon Gray. Tyler Chatwood, Chad Bettis, and Tyler Anderson in the rotation, the Rockies ranked 13th out of 15 National League teams with a 4.91 team ERA this past season. Only the Reds and Diamondbacks ranked worse as a staff.
Those dismal numbers could've come from pitching in the thin air in Denver, Colorado, and proof of that comes from Chatwood having the major's best road ERA at 1.69.
Black managed nine seasons with the San Diego Padres before getting fired in June of 2015. He had a record of 649-713 with San Diego, including a 90-72 record in 2010, which lead to an NL Manager of the Year award. It was the most wins for the franchise since since they won 98 in 1998. Black nearly landed the Washington Nationals managerial position in 2015, but talks broke down and Dusty Baker landed the job.
Although Black inherits a struggling rotation, as well as a bullpen that blew 28 save chances last season, he also has an All-Star third baseman in Nolan Arenado and an NL Batting Champion in D.J. LeMahieu. The Rockies are coming off a 75-87 season, which is their best record since 2010, and Black only envisions this team moving up.
