Big Day for Tracy
November 18th, 2009 | by wutae3 |Wednesday was the culmination of a great year for Jim Tracy. He was named the National League manager of the year and signed a new three-year deal with the Colorado Rockies. It couldn’t have happened to a more deserving person.
After stints in Los Angeles and Pittsburgh as the manager, Tracy found a home in Colorado. His easy going, Midwestern drawl, seemed to fit well with this team. He isn’t boisterous but he is confident. He is a smart baseball man but he doesn’t come off like he’s better than you. Tracy brought stability to an organization that was beginning to crumble in May.
With Colorado 18-28, and 14 ½ games out of first place, it seemed as if it would be another disappointing season in LoDo. However, Tracy came in and changed the locker room and the players responded. The Rox finished the season 74-42 and won the NL Wild Card.
Before Tracy took over, the players were playing tight. Every mistake was scrutinized and players felt uncomfortable. Tracy came in and gave the locker room back to the players. He trusted them to come to the park prepared. He held the players accountable but he did it from afar.
The Rockies started to play with a lot more confidence once Tracy brought consistency back to the line-up. Now, with a new contract, Tracy can begin to build a team that can contend year in and year out. The Monfort’s are known for their patience, so Tracy will be given every opportunity to succeed. Only three more months until Spring Training begins.
Tags: Colorado Rockies, Jim Tracy, Los Angeles Dodgers, Pittsburgh Pirates
