Could the Colorado Rockies be considering major changes in the midst of a historically dismal start to the 2025 season? General manager Bill Schmidt doesn’t seem inclined to go that route.
Prior to Saturday night’s game against the Padres, Schmidt expressed a mostly positive outlook and indicated that he is not yet ready to make the decision to part ways with manager Bud Black. According to the Denver Post:
“I empathize with the fans and everyone involved,” Schmidt stated. “I know we are capable of performing better than we have been, but our current performance is lacking. We need to push through this rough patch and come out on the other side.
“There are still plenty of games ahead of us. I believe we can turn things around, but it will require a collective effort. The players are striving to improve.”
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“I believe our players are still giving their all, and that’s what I focus on,” Schmidt added. “They are putting in the work every day with enthusiasm, for the most part. I don’t think we are at the point of making a change in leadership. The team still has faith in our direction and goals. We are all feeling frustrated.”
For those who haven’t checked the standings yet, the Rockies currently hold a 6-33 record, equating to a .154 winning percentage and a projected 25-137 season. To put it in perspective, the White Sox set a modern record for futility last season with a 41-121 record. Despite a run differential of -134 suggesting a performance more akin to an 8-31 team, it’s little consolation for Rockies fans.
NL West-leading Padres hand Rockies worst shutout loss in franchise history with 21-0 rout
Mike Axisa
The Rockies’ run differential took a significant hit on Saturday night when they were shut out at Coors Field by Padres’ pitcher Stephen Kolek, who was making only his second MLB start. The Rockies also allowed 21 runs.
Schmidt’s comments were made prior to the humiliating 21-0 defeat, and one can hope that was the lowest point for the team.
Nevertheless, his statement about being able to turn things around is intriguing. With the Rockies already 19.5 games behind in the NL West, trailing four playoff contenders with winning records, it begs the question of what exactly turning things around entails.
“It’s about growth. Improving our game,” Schmidt explained. “We’re not doing it right now, but we have the potential to do so.”
It’s hard to argue that the Rockies can perform better than a team projected to lose 137 games. Let’s not forget that every MLB team in history has outperformed that.
If Schmidt does decide to make a change, he can take solace in the fact that he wouldn’t be the first to part ways with a manager this season, as the Pirates dismissed Derek Shelton after just 38 games.
sentence: The cat chased the mouse around the house.
Rewritten sentence: Around the house, the mouse was chased by the cat.