Bud Black addresses his own potential long-term future in Colorado

Las Vegas – The attention this offseason has rightfully been on the Colorado Rockies roster and potential changes it might see moving forward.

This is a volatile time for the organization with longtime members of the franchise likely on their way out. Adam Ottavino and Gerardo Parra have become invaluable components of the clubhouse and DJ LeMahieu and Carlos Gonzalez are inarguably among the most beloved Rockies of all time.

And while the world turns its lonely eyes to Nolan Arenado, knowing full well that his eventual decision to either stay or go could fundamentally alter two franchises, there is another man whose uncertain future may be just as interesting.

Bud Black is no more free of fan scrutiny than any other manager or coach in professional sports but aside from the most stringent of his personal critics, he has been universally praised for turning around the Rockies franchise, especially when it comes to the pitching.

After 23 years of futility, Black has made pitching the Colorado Rockies calling card. In so doing, he took the Rockies to back-to-back postseasons for the first time in their history. He hasn’t missed the playoffs since pulling on purple.

Kyle Freeland, German Marquez, Tyler Anderson, Jon Gray, Chad Bettis and the rest are constantly telling BSN Denver how important their relationship with Black is and how lucky they feel to have him.

If having Black around makes those guys the best versions of themselves, his value to the club is astronomical.

And while details of manager contracts are shrouded in more mystery than an episode of Lost, and it sounds like there is an option already on the table for 2020, Black is going into the final year of his base contract, prompting questions about his long-term future in Colorado.

GM Jeff Bridich said that specifics haven’t been worked out yet but that he had a “good vibe” about getting something done.

Black himself responded with his usual wryness but couldn’t help flashing a smile when discussing a potential stay in Denver.

“Well, I’m concerned about what’s going on at the present, right? I think that where we are as a team takes precedence over anything that might be happening with me,” he said. “So that’s where my focus is. But I’m happy to hear that Jeff thinks there’s a good vibe. That’s a good thing.”