Will Heads Roll on the Rockies Coaching Staff?

With the Rockies bringing up the rear in the NL West like usual, there has been widespread criticism that things in Denver need to change. Some fans have created a Monforts Must Sell website, demanding a change in ownership. But until the owners sell, they have the ability to create change by firing certain team officials. And even though manager Clint Hurdle received a contract extension in Spring Training, he feels there is a sense of urgency to win in order to keep his job.

"I guarantee and really believe with all my heart that if (ownership) felt I was not getting my job done that there would be an adjustment made. That's sports," Hurdle said Monday evening before the Rockies played Arizona. "I don't sit on my hands. There's no other focus for me other than what it's always been, to make this team better every day."

But if Hurdle's job is secure because of the extension, then it becomes possible that some of the coaches on his staff might get the axe.

The Rockies' bullpen ranks last in baseball. The offense remains a puzzling disappointment. So it comes as no surprise that pitching coach Bob Apodaca and hitting instructor Alan Cockrell have become targets for fans wanting change.

It really is a sad reality that less-significant coaches are the ones who receive the blame for the poor performance of the players. Is it really hitting coach Alan Cockrell's fault that rookies Chris Ianetta and Troy Tulowitzki aren't hitting well? Is it really pitching coach Bob Apodaca's fault that aside from closer Brian Fuentes and setup man Manny Corpas the bullpen is atrocious? I really think it's unfair to make the pitching and hitting coaches the scapegoats for the consistent losing in Colorado the last few years (no more than 76 wins in any of the last six seasons). Seems like greater changes are needed than just them. Either that, or maybe baseball isn't meant to be played in Denver.

Previously at FanHouse:
Rockies Extend Clint Hurdle and Dan O'Dowd