Former Colorado Rockies manager Jim Tracy is a finalist for the Toronto Blue Jays' vacant managerial position, which is expected to be filled very soon, according to ESPN's Buster Olney.
Tracy "led" the Rockies to a 64-98 record in 2012, marking the third consecutive season the the team's performance declined under his watch. A year prior, Tracy managed arguably the most disappointing team in franchise history, as his talent-laden team finished 73-89 after starting the season on a torrid run which had them mistakenly declared by many as the division champs after April.
Jim Riggleman is another finalist for the job. Riggleman most recently managed in the big league with the Washington Nationals in 2011. You may remember that he unexpectedly quit after Nats GM Mike Rizzo declined to talk about a new contract. According to Ken Rosenthal, Riggleman still hasn't heard from the Jays about the position, which could be big-time straw in Tracy's hat.
Olney speculates on Twitter that the Blue Jays will want to bring someone aboard who is "really good at giving away outs applying (the) running game." Ol' Jim may just be their guy. If that happens, you'd have to think that one or more of Tom Runnells, Rich Dauer, Glenallen Hill and Carney "Hit or Die" Lansford will be given a job alongside the Bulldog.
LINKS
Salt River, Peoria set to clash for AFL championship | MLB.com: News
The Salt River Rafters, who prominently feature Rockies outfield prospects Corey Dickerson and Kent Matthes and catcher Lars Davis, will attempt to win their second straight Arizona Fall League title today at 1 p.m. MT. The game can be seen on MLB Network. I know I'll be watching.