Rockies GM Bill Schmidt Supports Bud Black, Promises Fans a More Competitive Team Ahead

The Colorado Rockies are having a tough season. As of Saturday night, they faced the San Diego Padres after a seven-game losing streak, with a dismal record of 6-32. Right now, they’re 19.5 games behind the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League West.

General manager Bill Schmidt, who’s been with the team for over 25 years, recognizes the major issues: weak offense, shaky pitching, and poor defense. Yet, he believes there’s still hope. “I feel for the fans, but we can’t put all the blame on manager Bud Black,” Schmidt said, reflecting on the team’s struggles. “We have to fight through this together.”

The question on everyone’s mind is, what does it mean to “turn it around”? Schmidt talks about growth and playing better overall. However, with a current win-rate of just .158, improvement seems daunting.

The Rockies are heading for their seventh straight losing season, which could mean a third consecutive season with over 100 losses. Still, Schmidt showed support for Black, emphasizing the effort from the players: “They come in with energy and work hard every day,” he noted. “Yes, it’s frustrating, but everyone believes in what we’re trying to achieve.”

Injuries have hit the Rockies hard this season. Notably, Thairo Estrada is out with a fractured wrist, and Ezequiel Tovar has missed 21 games due to a hip injury. Their absence has contributed to Colorado’s poor defensive stats, with the team leading the league in errors (34) and holding the worst fielding percentage (.976).

According to Schmidt, a combination of injuries and sluggish starts from key players, like Ryan McMahon and Brenton Doyle, has put them in historic company—tying for the worst 38-game start since 1901 with the 1988 Baltimore Orioles. “It’s like a perfect storm,” he said. “But fans want results, not excuses.”

On a positive note, Schmidt mentioned Clint Hurdle’s promotion to hitting coach as a silver lining. Hurdle has shifted the focus from mechanics to mental approaches at the plate, leading to better at-bats and fewer strikeouts.

In other news, veteran Kris Bryant has returned to Denver after a back procedure. Recently, he underwent an ablation to help alleviate long-standing pain caused by a disc issue. Bryant stated there’s no set timeline for his return, saying, “I just want to take it one day at a time.”

This season, the Rockies face significant challenges, but with continued effort and the right adjustments, there might still be a chance to turn things around. For more in-depth analysis of their journey, check out the Rockies Insider for detailed updates and discussions.

Learn about nerve ablation and its benefits from the Mayo Clinic.

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