Colorado Rockies choice of manager critical to 2017

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Change can always be difficult, but sometimes a transformation may begin with the proper guidance to lead a team in a general direction.

The 2016 Colorado Rockies had their fair share of ups-and-downs, yet the team took a significant leap forward. However, due to a now vacant manager spot, the franchise must search for a person who is necessary to take the next leap in 2017.

Walt Weiss experienced his share of mistakes; however, for a first-time big league manager fans may thank him for a possible mark he left in the organization. Weiss finally had a steadier starting rotation than in year’s past, headlined by the youth of Jon Gray and Tyler Anderson. And now, unlike old times, the Rockies will be viewed as an intriguing vacancy in the offseason for a new manager. Also, the new leader in the clubhouse will not forget the team has a star at third base and an embarrassment of youthful riches.

Reports indicate three strong candidates are interested in the position to lead the Rockies in 2017. Bud Black, Ron Roenicke, and Bo Porter are the three hopefuls to steer a franchise desperate for a playoff run. The winning percentage of the aspirants is underwhelming, but each brings a unique experience that the Rockies haven’t had before.

The Washington Nationals for a brief moment hired Black last offseason, but due to a change of heart, the franchise chose Dusty Baker instead. Black spent all of his career in the NL West earning NL Manager of the year once in his tenure. Petco Park is typecast, as a pitcher’s ballpark and rightfully so. On the other hand, Coors Field is not. Despite all the narratives, Black managed a rotation good enough to beat any lineup. After the success and leap the Rockies starters made in 2016, it is easy to see why the ex-Padres manager wants the job.

Roenicke holds the highest winning percentage of the three candidates (.508) only sustaining one full season of lossing baseball. In 2015, Roenicke’s fate became sealed after a 7-18 record with the Milwaukee Brewers. Much like Black, Roenicke stayed in one place. This allowed him to build a team from the ground up. However, he never had all the tools necessary to mold a terrific starting rotation. Roenicke did build a formidable lineup in Miller Park, which the Rockies can boast as well. Since Roenicke could not keep his starters in tact, due to free agency and injuries, the young arms for the Rockies boast a case for him to have the roster ex-Brewer would like to coach. Odd that the Rockies might present the pitching options he never had before.

The last possible strong choice for the Rockies is Bo Porter. Porter enjoyed his brief time with Houston Astros, but due to lack of resources in the lineup and rotation, it is difficult to judge the impact Porter made in Texas. The Rockies recent youth movement is not just appealing to Black and Roenicke, but to Porter also. Black and Roenicke had their fair share of veterans and talent, but Porter has spent most his time with a young nucleus. This is where he may have the leg up over Black and Roenicke. He understands what makes the players tick; however, Jeff Bridich can only choose one.

If the Rockies truly feel they can take the leap this year, then hiring between Black over Roenicke is a slam-dunk. Black is the best possible target for the franchise. Comfortability, knowledge of familiar foes, handling of a pitching staff and lineup are all triggers to name Black the next manager.

As stated earlier, the Rockies already established one of the best young starting rotations in baseball, but the bullpen still needs to be re-tooled. The organization must make the right call for the manager and it needs to Black. It is critical for the club to steer away from another first-year coach like they did Weiss, which may be the turn off for Bo Porter. Roenicke is a terrific candidate next to Black, but familiarity of division — and the ballparks therein — with Black is hard to ignore.

The choice of who to lead the Rockies in 2017 could critical in the transformation of the ballclub. Black is not just the best candidate but a manager necessary to take that step forward.