Dan O’Dowd Again Makes A Questionable Change
Denver, CO. In a move that has many in Rockies Nation scratching their heads, the Colorado Rockies’ GM Dan O’Dowd has reassigned himself to more of a role with the minor league systems and player development, while giving Bill Geivett more of a role with the major league club. Interesting O’Dowd would make this move the day after the trade deadline has expired. With only minor moves, the Rockies have seen the rest of the NL West improve not only for this year, but for the future.
Who is Bill Geivett you might ask? His current role is as the Senior Vice President of Scouting and Player Development and Assistant General Manager. Geivett has been with the Rockies since 2000, mainly working in player personnel in the Rockies’ farm system. He came from the Los Angeles Dodgers, and prior to the Dodgers he had stints with Tampa Bay and the Montreal Expo farm system.
Now how should we look at this move as Rockies fans? Where is our sense of hope for the Rockies in the future? The rumor mill is saying that there will be more moves at the end of the season but O’Dowd and Rockies manager Jim Tracy will remain with the ball club. Rockies fans are looking for a change. Bob Apodaca was reassigned earlier in the season, making for a dual pitching coach role. Dick Monfort has said the organization is like a family and people will be treated that way. So why did they fire Clint Hurdle? Hurdle is leading a surging Pittsburgh Pirates team that will likely make the playoffs for the first time in twenty years, and are a changed club with Hurdle at the helm. What if Hurdle was still here? Would the Rockies be on the verge of the worst season in team history? I think not! Hurdle had a rough demeanor with the players, but that is exactly what they need now. There is no player responsibility in the locker room. No leaders have emerged.
Change for change is sometimes needed. But this change makes no sense. Geivett will have no actual power in this role as he will still report directly to O’Dowd. The only hope we have for this season is the return of Troy Tulowitzki, who took batting practice before the disappointing blowout at the hands of the St. Louis Cardinals last night. He also took some ground balls, but is still not making sideways athletic moves. In batting practice, Tulowitzki showed his signature power hitting to all sides of the field.
Rockies fans have been told all year to have patience with this team and organization. Patience is wearing thin with fans, seeing moves that make no sense or no moves to actually improve this team. Unless there is a complete overhaul in the off-season, we will be looking at another season under .500 in 2013 as the team is too young to show dramatic improvement in one off-season.
Denver Sports Chat – Kris Loco
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