Rockies manager Clint Hurdle reassigned hitting instructor Duane Espy on Monday. The two had talked about the possibility for months, with Hurdle deeming a change necessary after the team’s offensive troubles this season.
“We didn’t think we were able to develop as many guys as we hoped to,” Hurdle said. “Duane was able to reach some of them, but the group effort came up a little short.”
Espy will remain with the organization working with minor-leaguers in a role to be determined. First-base coach Dave Collins also officially left the team to pursue other opportunities.
“I can’t tell you how much I am going to miss the players,” Collins said. “But I felt like if I could look at opportunities to manage in the minor leagues or get a major-league coaching job that gets me closer to a major-league managing position and have the luxury of being closer to my kids, it’s something I had to do.”
Hurdle said he’s in no hurry to fill either position. He has compiled a list of potential replacements, but wants to let “the dust settle” before beginning the interview process.
“We will look internally and externally, but we are not going to fill either one anytime soon,” Hurdle said.
While Hurdle would not discuss candidates, Lamar Johnson and Jose Morales are believed to be on the list. Triple-A manager Tom Runnels is a possibility for the first- base coaching job. He was a finalist for the third-base position two years ago before Mike Gallego got the job.
