Bud Black's Rockies Career

Bud Black was first signed by the Rockies in 2016 to represent them as their manager. His first three-year tenure during the 2017-19’ seasons were exciting for Rockies fans. With quickly growing talent in Nolan Arenado, Trevor Story, German Marquez, and more, Colorado could finally experience Rocktober again.

As fans, we know things took a dark turn for the next six years. While most of the fingers can be pointed at Jeff Bridich and the previous general management, there’s still a massive role that the on-field management needs to take to ensure success from our veteran pieces, and the future of younger players. As the 2024 season comes to an end, Bud Black is yet again at the end of his tenure, because the Rockies have kept him on a short leash in terms of his two previous contracts. Colorado is likely going to finish with a second consecutive 100-loss season, and this would absolutely cause the front office to ponder making a coaching switch.

What made Bud Black so compelling for the Rockies’ manager position in the first place? Bud was a consistent, lefty starting pitcher that made a name for himself by forcing batters to make frequent weak contact. During 1989 with the Cleveland Indians, he sported a solid 3.36 ERA through 220+ innings while only striking out 88 batters. Granted this was during a time when strikeouts weren’t as common as they are today, but 3.6 strikeouts every nine innings was still very low even for the 80s. With his previous experience, it's possible that Bud was a massive contributor to Kyle Freeland and other pitcher’s early success.

Bud retired from baseball during his second stint in Cleveland but was likely recognized there as a smart baseball mind. Right after his last professional season, he became special assistant to the general manager in Cleveland. Then began his stretch as a pitching coach and manager. In 2007 as the Padres’ current pitching coach, Bud Black stepped in as manager after Bruce Bochy declined San Diego’s re-offer and chose to move north to San Francisco.

Similar to his experience with the Rockies, Bud would have two very successful seasons near the beginning of his managerial tenure with San Diego. Even winning Manager of the Year in 2010. Fast forward to almost halfway through the 2015 season, the Padres were going for it, acquiring an entire outfield of starters in Will Myers, Justin Upton, and Matt Kemp. Though the team ended up well below .500 that season, the Padres org felt it was best to part ways with Bud Black while they were 32-33.

Today, Warren Schaeffer would be the front-runner to replace Bud Black. Schaeffer (39) played in the Rockies system 2007-12’, and since then has played a big coaching role in the farm system, being promoted rapidly. For the last two years, Schaeffer has coupled as 3rd base and infield coach for the Rockies. It’s great to see that he’s being utilized as more than a 3rd base coach, closely working with our top-tier defensive infield.

With how Rockies drafts have been the last couple years, there are many players to consider when it comes to picking a manager. For Bud’s sake, there's been a plethora of left-handed starters drafted in the middle rounds, and three have found themselves on MLB’s top 20 Colorado prospects: (Sean Sullivan #10) (Carson Palmquist #14) (Michael Prosecky #17). The Rockies may plan on keeping former lefty Bud Black, with the expectation that the team will later have a few lefty starters for him to work with. Where Warren Schaeffer could be more helpful for the hitters, and provide modern coaching for a very young team.

Regardless, the Rockies must make some changes, fans are tired. Currently, it’s unrealistic to be on par with the high-paying teams in their division, but there must be more initiative to get young players coached efficiently, safely, and analytically. Players are constantly getting shut down for recurring injuries, bench utilization is minimal compared to the rest of the league, pitching change analyses are failing, and young players are still struggling to find consistent at-bats and reps at positions. It’d be unfair to blame all of this on Bud Black, but it’s clear there's a coaching issue that needs to be worked on from several angles in order for this team to be ready for the future.