Rockies Hire Bud Black As Manager

Bud Black, fired by the Padres in June 2015 after nine seasons, is back in the NL West.

Black was hired by the Rockies on Monday, replacing Walt Weiss, whose contract expired on Oct. 3.

Weiss had a record of 283-365 in four seasons.

“It’s not what Bud has done, but he will do,” general manager Jeff Bridich said in a press conference. “We have shared excitement for future. Especially near future.”

Black, 59, had a 649-713 record with the Padres. He reportedly was the Nationals’ choice last offseason to replace Matt Williams but reportedly turned down the job because of what was termed as a low-ball financial offer.

“What an opportunity,” Black said. “The committment and passion (Rockies executives) have for this team . . . is real and I felt that, through this whole couple-of-weeks process. I’m extremely excited and fortunate to be here. Good things are ahead. We’re going to do everything we can to get back to where this team was in ’07, and that was the World Series.”

Bridich said Black’s background as a player, coach and manager played a big part in the decision to hire him.

“His experiences not only is there (in terms of) breadth and depth, but also the type of people he’s been around. Think back to the Angels in the early 2000s, Mike Scioscia as manager, Bud was pitching coach, Ron Roenicke, Joe Maddon. What you have that sort of dynamic you realize how much you learn as an individual. That’s one of the most attractive things about Bud.”

Bridich said Black’s pitching background was a plus but not the ultimate deciding factor.