Jay Alves out as Rockies' vice president of communications

The Colorado Rockies have parted ways with vice president of communications Jay Alves, a source confirmed to Purple Row on Thursday. The news was initially made public last week by Dustin Morse of the Twins' communications department.

Alves spent 17 seasons with the Rockies and has been in Major League Baseball in some capacity for 32 years. During his career, Alves was the lead PR person for four World Series and an All-Star Game. He also worked for ESPN and FOX during several postseasons and occasionally served as a fill-in commentator during his time with the Rockies and Athletics.

Many fans, bloggers and members of the media have scrutinized Alves over the years. At times, the criticism was certainly well deserved. However, under Alves, the Rockies began to open up to less traditional forms of media over the last couple years; in fact, he provided me with my first opportunity to cover baseball in person. I spoke with him face-to-face only a few times, but he always said the same thing: "As long as you act like a pro, everything is good."

That was really simple advice from an at-times complicated man, but it will always stick with me. For that, I'm thankful. That said, as far as Alves' dismissal is concerned, it just seemed like "it was time." And at this point, any change in the Rockies' front office is a good one for the future of the club. This move, especially considering some of the PR gaffes that have happened in recent years, is no different.