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Just a day removed from seeing their seasons end, the Colorado Rockies announced Monday morning that manager Walt Weiss has decided to step down, leaving the managerial position vacant heading into the offseason.
Colorado finished the season 75-87 — the most wins since 2010 (83-79). In his four years as manager of the Rockies, Weiss posted a record of 283-365.
Now, we all know this team could’ve and should’ve been better, considering how many times the bullpen squandered the lead. There were bright spots this season, however, including the young pitching core featuring Jon Gray, Tyler Anderson, Tyler Chatwood, Chad Bettis, and September call-ups Jeff Hoffman and German Marquez.
“The future is bright, a lot of young talent,” Weiss said. “I’ve mentioned before, I think the starting rotation has taken the biggest leap forward in a long time that I’ve seen with this organization. I think that’s foundational for success”
“There’s a lot to be excited about, all the young position players — we got to see a bunch of them this year,” he continued. “The guys that were young a few years ago, the LeMahieu’s, and the Blackmon’s, and the Arenado’s, they are now in what you could consider the prime of their careers. There’s a lot of things lining up.”
Sure, Walt Weiss might not have been the best manager, but he knew how to keep his players in check, improving the clubhouse chemistry tremendously over the past few years. For that, he should be recognized.
As for his contract status, Weiss summed it up perfectly in his postgame press conference.
“It’s never weighed on me, as a player, as a manager. I’m always going to show up the same way no matter what my contract situation is” Weiss said. “I demanded that from our players. I’ve had this talk with our players, regardless of what your circumstances are, or what your contract situation is, show up and you play the right way. You’re obligated to that, and you’re obligated to this organization and your teammates.”
Throughout his four years with the Rockies’, Weiss had the opportunity to watch third baseman Nolan Arenado blossom into a star. Nolan finished another season hitting 40+ home runs and 130+ RBI, sharing the National League home run title with Milwaukee Brewers Chris Carter, tied at 41 apiece.
“I don’t know if there’s much left I can say about Nolan, [I’ve] been talking about him for a handful of years now,” Weiss said. “There’s nobody like him — he’s one of a kind”
In an annual tradition, the Rockies’ took one last final lap around the stadium to thank their fans for their unconditional support throughout the season. For some, it was perhaps their final one in a Rockies’ uniform, which could be said for Weiss who reflected on it after the game.
“A little different,” Weiss said. “I think that’s my 15th time I’ve done that. Yeah, a little bit different today.”
