Back in May, former Virginia Tech baseball player Warren Schaeffer was named interim manager of the Colorado Rockies, replacing the outgoing Bud Black. He ended up taking over a team that ended up setting a record for losses with 119.
It wasn't his fault that the roster was a dumpster fire, but he gutted his way with a roster that was young and inexperienced in a lot of areas. After the season ended, the 40-year-old was left in limbo as to what his future in the Mile High City was going to be. Earlier this month, the organization finally found a president of baseball operations in Paul DePodesta, who was working for the Cleveland Browns in the NFL.
On Monday, DePodesta finally made a decision on his future, and he removed the interim tag from DePodesta and named him his full-time manager.
Former Virginia Tech baseball player named manager of Colorado Rockies
After taking over Black, Schaeffer went 36-86 with the Rockies, but that was better than what was projected when he took over, as crazy as that sounds. He has spent 10 years in the organization as a player and coach.
“We’re confident Warren is the right person to lead our club moving forward,” said DePodesta. “He has established strong relationships with our players, understands the culture of this franchise, and embodies the energy and work ethic we want on and off the field.”
Following the season, Schaeffer got the support of some of the players in Colorado who are young, and even some veterans. It is a unique situation for the former Hokies player as the expectations are to go nowhere but up from 119 losses.
The Rockies are up against it in the National League West with powerhouse teams such as the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres, and San Francisco Giants, so it won't be an easy turnaround, but Schaeffer gets a well-earned shot.