The Braves earlier in the week lifted the "interim" portion from interim manager Brian Snitker's title, leaving just two teams with dugout vacancies: the Diamondbacks and Rockies. Neither appears close to filling their gaps, but we're starting to learn more about the list of candidates from one of those teams.
As it turns out, there are a lot of familiar names on the list.
According to Thomas Harding of MLB.com, the Rockies are weighing -- among others -- former managers Bud Black (Padres), Brad Mills (Astros), Bo Porter (ditto), and Ron Roenicke (Brewers). There are some other names in consideration without previous big-league managerial experience, too, including internal choice Glenallen Hill. Here's who else Harding highlighted:
Coaches from outside the organization -- including some with limited managing experience -- who have been identified as being in the mix for Colorado's managerial opening are Indians first-base coach Sandy Alomar Jr., Red Sox bench coach Torey Lovullo, Cubs bench coach Dave Martinez, Braves first-base coach Eddie Perez and Giants bench coach Ron Wotus.
Basically, everyone you would expect, then some -- Perez, for instance, is a relatively new entrant on these kinds of lists.
Harding notes the Rockies want someone who can balance the duties of implementing analytics with fostering a positive clubhouse environment -- right, you and everyone else.
What does that mean when it comes to handicapping the field? Well, beats us. Perhaps it would give a leg up to Black and others who are accustomed to juggling those duties. Or, maybe, it's just a fancy way of saying the front office wants someone they can influence -- potentially to a degree that exceeds what a seasoned manager would allow.
We'll find out for certain soon enough.
