The mood among Rockies fans concerning their manager Jim Tracy seems to be increasing in negativity. Twitter has been buzzing lately with comments on Tracy and how he handles the club. Unfortunately for Tracy, the buzz has been unpleasant.
Fans wonder why the Rockies have underachieved this season. When a team struggles, the first person to usually receive much of the blame is the coach/manager. Although Tracy has caused Rockies fans moments of irritation this season (and in 2010), it appears he will be back as Colorado’s manager for the 2012 season.
Because the Rockies have had productive seasons from SS Troy Tulowitzki, OF Carlos Gonzalez and 1B Todd Helton, the finger tends to be pointed at Tracy for the poor record. One thing to consider, however, is how awful the pitching staff has been this season. Tracy is not the one going out there and giving up the hits and runs Rockies pitchers have been all year long. He is the one putting the starting pitcher on the lineup card and deciding who comes in after the starter though, and that could be the biggest gripe Rockies fans have with Tracy.
There have been some injuries this season that have been difficult to overcome for Colorado, a major contributor for their inconsistent play. Regardless of who is managing next year, the team has to acquire and/or develop pitchers. Right now, Rockies starting pitchers are not doing their part. Aaron Cook, for example, is 3-8 with a 5.82 ERA this season. He has given up 55 earned runs in 85 innings pitched. That puts a lot of pressure on the offense to score whenever they see Cook’s name on the lineup card.
Colorado is looking to the future at this point in the season. As September begins, so do the auditions for some potential permanent fixtures with the major league club. Because the AA affiliate of the Rockies is making a run at the playoffs, those September call-ups might be delayed a few days. Once they are called up, it will be exciting to see which players can be seen as contributors for the future of the Colorado Rockies.