Two years removed from piloting the Pittsburgh Pirates, Manatee County resident Clint Hurdle is back in the MLB.
Earlier this month, the Colorado Rockies announced that Hurdle is returning to their organization.
He is being brought aboard to serve as a special assistant to Rockies' General Manager Bill Schmidt. Among Hurdle's duties outlined is working with player development, Colorado's minor league staff, and the club's participation in MLB's amateur draft this coming summer.
The Rockies will be selecting 10th overall this July. Draft order is based on the reverse order of how a club finished the 2021 season. Colorado completed last season with a record of 74-87.
Reports of Hurdle being named in an assistant general manager role with the Rockies are inaccurate.
Hurdle, who managed the Rockies for eight seasons (2002-'09), and Schmidt have a long-standing relationship. During Hurdle's managerial days in Colorado, including in '07 when the Rockies won their only National League pennant in franchise history, Schmidt served in the club's scouting department.
January 1, 2022 is when Hurdle officially begins his new role with the Rockies.
While expected to travel to Rockies' affiliates in Albuquerque (Triple-A), Hartford (Double-A), and in four other locations, Hurdle will remain based in Manatee County.
Hurdle, himself a former number one draft selection by the Kansas City Royals in 1975, brings 17 seasons of MLB managerial experience to his new role. According to MLB Pipeline, there is no clear-cut favorite to be the overall pick right now.
The Rockies, who finished third in the National League West in 2021, will count on Hurdle's experience in recognizing talent, and developing prospects to their fullest potential.
While skippering the Pirates, Hurdle was selected as the 2013 National League Manager of the Year.
Due to the current MLB Lockout, Hurdle is unable to speak publicly concerning his new employment agreement.
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