How do you choose the perfect manager?
Is it their knowledge of the intricacies of baseball? Do you have a better understanding of team relationships? What is their resume of coaching success?
Probably a combination of all of those, but that’s not what we’re talking about today.
Throw away wins and losses! Forget about postseason success! There is a big problem with your management ability!
It’s rankings season here at Purple Row, so today we’re taking a look at seven managers in Rockies history: Don Baylor, Jim Leyland, Buddy Bell, Clint Hurdle, Jim Tracy, Walt Weiss, and Bud Black. , we’re here to rank you by completing the director’s discount. Fully tenured. Yes, I’m talking purely about their MLB careers.
Let’s get weird.
7th place: Jim Leyland
Have you ever heard the saying, “Those who can’t teach should teach?” That also applies to the first entry, Jim Leyland. Considered one of the greatest skippers in MLB history, Leyland never had the opportunity to showcase his skills at baseball’s highest level as a player.
He bounced around the minor leagues for about six years, working hard as a catcher, but was never able to break through to the AA level. Because he didn’t play in the majors, Leyland easily ended up at the bottom of the rankings (although I think he did okay in the end).
6th place: Jim Tracy
Jim Tracy, the first of our group of seven to appear in an MLB game, played two seasons with the Cubs in 1980 and ’81. He didn’t exactly set the world on fire, accumulating negative bWAR for his efforts.
Tracy seemed to be having a hard time in the field and didn’t do much at bat, but he did hit the winning home run once, which is pretty amazing!
5th place: Clint Hurdle
Clint Hurdle had far more success than Tracy. Although he played all over the diamond during his 10 seasons, most of that time was spent roaming Kansas City’s outfield. It was with the Royals that he saw his postseason success in the late 70s and early 80s. Interestingly, Hurdle appeared to do his best work in the playoffs, as he boasts a career .333/.421/.424 in 14 postseason appearances. Not bad!
While Hurdle never quite lived up to the hype surrounding his status as a first-round draft pick, the fact that he had more success than other first-round picks like, say, Ben Paulsen. It will be a comfort.
4th place: Walt Weiss
We are making a pretty solid step up for the next participant, Walt Weiss. The shortstop, who played for 14 years, was the first on our list to make an All-Star appearance (in 1998 with the Braves, even in Colorado!) and won Rookie of the Year in 1988.
Admittedly a glove-first player, Weiss played the typical shortstop role well with several different teams. While not a legend by any means, he played his role well and was a worthy addition to the team, as his career 16.5 bWAR suggests. Well done, Weiss!
3rd place: Bud Black
The winningest manager in Colorado Rockies history is the first pitcher-born manager on our list. Black, who spent 15 seasons with various organizations, gave up a healthy amount of contact and relied on ground balls to get him ejected from games. That led to some high WHIPs during his career, including leading the Black in losses in 1991.
His best season came in 1984, when he set career bests in wins, ERA, innings pitched, and strikeouts. A year later, he would play in the timeless “Show-Me Series” as part of the World Series-winning Royals club, but Buddy lost his only start in Game 4. .
Black’s work as a pitcher has definitely helped the Rockies work with the young arms they developed during his time as manager. His MLB life has had a lot of ups and downs, but a career 21.1 bWAR isn’t bad.
2nd place: Don Baylor
Colorado’s first captain earned a silver medal in today’s rankings.
A beloved figure in Rockies history, Baylor found work in MLB for 19 seasons, all with American League teams. This long-hitting outfielder recorded over 2,100 hits, 366 doubles, 338 home runs, and 285 stolen bases, and had plenty of pop.
Three Silver Sluggers and All-Star selections were great, but Baylor’s crowning achievement was his stellar 1979 season. His hot bat led the California Angels to first place in the American League West, and his 120 RBIs led the entire MLB. So it’s no wonder he capped off a great offensive season perfectly and won the Most Valuable Player award that year.
Although Baylor never reached those heights again, he was still an impressive presence in the batter’s box for most of his career. If not, he is without a doubt the most accomplished of all Rockies managers.
1st place: Buddy Bell
Buddy Bell coached the Rockies for just two seasons, but he was an absolute force as a player for much longer.
Playing almost every position imaginable and being good at them all, he won six consecutive Rawlings Gold Gloves from 1979 to 1984. His work at third base and shortstop in particular was a huge boon for the Texas Rangers. That he twice led all of baseball in defensive bWAR.
However, it wasn’t just about defense. Bell was also a sound hitter, owning a career slash line of .279/.341/.406. The five-time All-Star unfortunately didn’t make the postseason, but he did finish in the top 10 in MVP voting the same year Baylor won, so the league decided to evaluate his talent by making the playoffs. There was no need to participate.
While Baylor reached greater heights with his bat, Bell amassed 66.4 bWAR with a combination of excellent fielding and above-average hitting, earning him the top spot in perhaps the richest of all awards.
In my opinion, no manager in Rockies history can match Buddy Bell when it comes to their work on the field.
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