According to reports from ESPN, the Denver Post, and multiple other sources, the Colorado Rockies have agreed to a three-year contract extension with manager Harry “Bud” Black. The financial specifics of the deal have not yet been released.
Managerial Success
Black became the Rockies’ manager at the beginning of the 2017 season. During his tenure in Colorado, he has found a great deal of success. He is currently 178-147 as skippers of the team and his .548 win percentage is the best mark in club history. He has also led the team to consecutive postseason appearances for the first time in franchise history.
Last season, Colorado finished with a phenomenal 91-72 record and pushed the eventual division champion Los Angeles Dodgers to a tiebreaker game. They successfully defeated the 2016 World Series Champion Chicago Cubs before ultimately losing to the Milwaukee Brewers in the NLDS.
Bud’s History in Baseball
Black is a highly respected throughout MLB. He served a stint as manager of the San Diego Padres from 2007-2015. During that time, he complied a .477 win percentage over 1,362 games.
He was also recognized as the National League Manager of the Year in 2010. While he was never able to lead the team to the postseason, Black received interest from both the Washington Nationals and Rockies after his termination in San Diego.
Some of Black’s success in management stems from his long-time connection with baseball. He was a major league pitcher for 15 seasons. During that time, he won 121 games and posted a 3.84 ERA with 1,039 strikeouts.
The Rockies’ Status
Bud will face a difficult challenge entering the 2019 season. While he clearly has the support of his team and general manager, there will be many obstacles in the way of a potential third straight playoff appearance.
The Dodgers will once again be the clear division favorites with the addition of star shortstop Corey Seager (from injury) and centerfielder AJ Pollock (from free agency). The rival Padres have also added superstar Manny Machado to their mix of young prospects.
This is also the final year of Rockies’ MVP candidate Nolan Arenado. Colorado has replaced second basemen DJ LeMahieu with Daniel Murphy but have otherwise been quiet this offseason. Bud Black will face both staunch on-field competition and uncertainty surrounding his star third basemen as the team attempts to make another surprise run toward the postseason.
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