His candidacy bolstered by his relationship with many of the team’s young players, Alan Cockrell will be the first to formally interview for the Rockies’ vacant hitting-instructor job.
Cockrell, the hitting instructor for the Triple-A Colorado Springs Sky Sox the past four seasons, quietly has moved to front-runner status after Alan Trammell accepted a coaching position with the Chicago Cubs. Multiple players contacted Tuesday said they have voiced their support for Cockrell, praising his ability to communicate and earn their trust.
Other candidates for the position include Gary Carter, whose minor-league managing contract expired with the Mets on Monday, Mets minor-league manager Howard Johnson, Dodgers farm instructor Bill Robinson, Padres minor-league coach Rob Deer, former Indians hitting coach Jose Morales and Rockies roving instructor Jimmy Johnson. Carter is aiming for the Rockies’ job, but also will interview for the Dodgers’ Triple- A manager position.
Footnotes
Rockies second baseman Kaz Matsui formally filed for free agency Tuesday, but the team has exclusive negotiating rights until Nov. 11. … Bench coach Jamie Quirk interviews Tuesday for the Athletics’ managerial vacancy.
Troy E. Renck can be reached at 303-954-1301 or trenck@denverpost.com.
