Walt Weiss favorite to become Rockies manager

The Colorado Rockies have trimmed their managerial search down to a two-horse race, and former All-Star shortstop Walt Weiss is the favorite, report Troy Renck and Patrick Sullivan of the Denver Post:

With momentum growing toward Walt Weiss' hiring, the Rockies paused after Matt Williams' impressive interview for the manager's job. The Rockies have narrowed the search for their next manager to those candidates, a major-league source confirmed Tuesday.

Weiss remains the favorite, the source said, but Williams captured the Rockies' attention, prompting the team to take more time to make a decision that is expected sometime this week.

Weiss -- who is now "just waiting to hear any word" from the Rockies on their decision -- has no professional managerial or coaching experience but spent four years in the Colorado organization as a player and coached his son's team at Regis Jesuit High School last season.

The five-time All-Star Williams is the only thing now standing between the 48-year-old Weiss and his first big-league managerial post. Williams, who served as third base coach for the Diamondbacks last season, also lacks professional managerial experience, but is currently running the Salt River Rafters in the Arizona Fall League.

Rockies bench coach Tom Runnells and veteran first baseman Jason Giambi were two other finalists for the managerial position, but both have been eliminated from the running.