Stressing the importance of continuity in leadership, the Rockies extended the contracts of general manager Dan O’Dowd and manager Clint Hurdle for one year, through the 2007 season.
Both were set to enter the final year of their deals, which were originally reworked following the 2003 season.
“We believe in stability with these roles, and that’s not attached to a time frame,” team president Keli McGregor said. “We had a lot of priorities this offseason and when we had a chance to get around to it we felt it was the right thing to do.”
O’Dowd took over as only the franchise’s second GM on Sept. 20, 1999. After short-term fixes failed, including the $175.3 million signings of Mike Hampton and Denny Neagle, he spearheaded a youth movement that began in earnest last season. The team finished 67-95, playing primarily rookies and second-year players around Todd Helton.
“I never felt the pressure and was at ease in my position whether this (extension) happened or not,” O’Dowd said today. “I know the results haven’t equated in enough wins, but I am confident that we are on the right path. That we are close to having something special happen here.”
O’Dowd believed it was more important for Hurdle to receive added security, given his position where a slow start can prompt calls for his firing. Hurdle, who took over as manager on April 26, 2002, has a 276-350 record during his tenure.
“I feel he is the right person for this role,” O’Dowd said. “He is just scratching the surface in how good he’s going to be in a lot of areas.”
