By Fitzgerald Cecilio

Denver, CO

Jim Tracy resigned as manager of the Colorado Rockies after the team posted a franchise-worst 64-98 record this season.

"Jim Tracy is a man that has brought professionalism to the Rockies organization since 2009," Rockies' senior vice president Bill Geivett said in a statement. "We respect Jim's decision, and we wish Jim and his family the best of luck as we begin our search for the right person to become the next manager of our organization."

Tracy was promoted from bench coach after Clint Hurdle was fired in 2009, managing the club to a 294-308 record in three-plus seasons. He previously managed the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Pittsburgh Pirates.

He had his share of success with the Rockies when he led them to a franchise-best 92-70 finish in 2009 to earn National League Manager of the Year honors.

Tracy, who had a guaranteed contract until next season, met with Geivett Friday to talk about the future direction of the club that went through major changes in 2012.

Longtime pitching coach Bob Apodaca resigned and was replaced by co-pitching coaches Bo McLaughlin and Jim Wright. The team also experimented with a four-man rotation that was later scrapped.

The Rockies will now start a search for their sixth manager in preparation for the upcoming season.

In their 21 seasons, the Rockies had five managers in Don Baylor (1995-98), Jim Leyland (1999), Buddy Bell (2000-April 26, 2002), Hurdle (April 26, 2002-May 29, '09) and Tracy.

 

 

Jim Tracy Resigns as Rockies Manager After 98-Loss Season