Thursday Night Rockpile: Is Jim Tracy The Next Bench Coach For The Colorado Rockies?

Earlier today, the Denver Post reported that Jim Tracy interviewed for the Colorado Rockies' vacant bench coach position. Additionally, Hurdle has reached out to former Mets manager Willie Radolph, but he, Ken Macha, and Bob Brenly are the three finalists for the Brewers' vacant managerial position (what Dale Sveum wasn't good enough?).

Rockies fans best know Jim Tracy as the manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers from 2001 through 2005. Tracy was kind of successful during his tenure with the Dodgers, having a winning record in his first four seasons. In 2004 he lead the Dodgers to the playoffs, only to lose to the eventual World Series runner-up St. Louis Cardinals.

He then had two forgettable seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates, being let go at the end of the season. John Russell replaced Tracy in 2008 and finished with the same record Tracy had in his first year in Pittsburgh, 67-95.

Um, I'm not really sure what to make of whoever becomes the new bench coach. How do you measure the impact a bench coach has anyway?

Tracy Ringolsby has some news, notes, and speculation: Jayson Nix was released. Boston, those Angels from somewhere in California, and Philadelphia are teams looking to get in on some Atkins and Holliday action. Lefty Joe Saunders is one guy the Angels may move in a deal for Atkins if the team somehow also swings a deal for Peavy.

Saunders' 2008 season:

2008 was Saunders' first full season in the majors, and he did well on the road: 10-3, 2.55 ERA, .231 BAA, .643 OPS.

Anyone think the Rockies should take a flier on this former pitcher, soon-to-be hitter?