The Colorado Rockies are on the hunt for a new manager. While there have been rumors and names swirling around, the Rockies don’t seem to be close to making a decision. Upper management has been known for hiring within the organization and with this new job opening, hiring from within could make the most sense.
This offseason was set in motion early on with the resignation of Walt Weiss. The three-year contract of Weiss had expired and he finished with a 283-365 record over four seasons as the Colorado manager, never making the postseason.
Glenallen Hill has been a coach in the Rockies organization since 2004, when he became the hitting coach for the Rockies High-A affiliate. He was also the Rockies first-base coach for six seasons before becoming the Colorado Springs Sky Sox manager in 2013 and 2014. In 2015 Hill was named the Albuquerque Isotopes manager, which marked his 11th season as a coach for the Rockies organization.
That’s all fine and dandy, but why should he be the Colorado Rockies next manager?
This up-and-coming Colorado team is full of young guys who have grown through the Rockies minor league system and are starting to get the opportunity to shine in the big leagues. Players like Trevor Story, David Dahl, Jon Gray and Tyler Anderson are all homegrown and had seasons that any rookie would dream to have.
At some point in their minor league career, they played for Hill.
This team could benefit from a familiar face taking over as manager. Even some veterans on the team have played while Hill was a coach for the Rockies. Hill has dealt with these young players and molded some into the professionals they are today.
After spending 11 seasons with one organization as a coach, Hill has paid his dues and should be given the opportunity to manage a big league ball club. As a coach of all levels, Hill might make a good argument to become the Rockies seventh manager.
Hill has a lot of experience with coaching these young players and is familiar with the Rockies. The decision could be a comfortable change for both parties involved.
The Albuquerque Isotopes finished second in their Pacific Coast League division under Hill.
The Rockies have made these in-house moves in the past, and they have not worked out. They hired Weiss, who was a special instructor and adviser for the Rockies from ’02-’08. The decision to make this kind of move did not generate a postseason appearance which has been an on-going problem for this organization.
The upper management has pressed again and again that they are rebuilding. Hill should be given a chance after all of the relationships he has built with these young players who are now on the Rockies roster. The players will feel comfortable with Hill and he can continue to develop them to play at their fullest potential.
