Don Baylor, the first manager in Rockies history, took a step toward a possible return to purple pinstripes today. Baylor interviewed with general manager Dan O’Dowd and manager Clint Hurdle for a position in Hurdle’s revamped staff.
“We talked about both the bench coach job and hitting instructor, both jobs I’m qualified for,” Baylor said. “It was a great interview, I felt good about it. But it was a little eerie, going back to the organization you started your managerial career with.”
Baylor, 59, managed the Rockies from 1993 to 1998. He has not had a full-time job with a major league team since 2005 when he was Seattle’s hitting coach. Hurdle is looking for a replacement for Alan Cockrell.
The Rockies are expected to announce the new coaching staff next week. Former Seattle manager John McLaren and Triple-A Colorado Springs manager Tom Runnells interviewed last week about the bench and third base jobs. It is believed roving pitching coordinator Jim Wright will be hired as bullpen coach.
