Rockies hire Bud Black as manager

The Rockies have hired Bud Black as their new manager, as first reported by Tommy Stokke of FanRag Sports. Black will officially be announced as the club’s new skipper in the coming days.

Black, 59, has been considered a leading candidate for managerial openings since his firing from the Padres during the 2015 season. He was the favorite to land the Nationals’ job last winter before the sides failed to agree on contract terms, and was a reported finalist for the Braves’ job this fall before Atlanta decided to hire Brian Snitker on a permanent basis.

Black managed the Padres from 2007 to 2015, compiling an overall 649-713 record and being named National League Manager of the Year in 2010. He has been working as a special assistant in the Angels organization since last November while eyeing a return to the dugout.

The Rockies, who parted ways with manager Walt Weiss immediately after the season, considered many candidates including Don Wakamatsu, Tim Wallach, Glenallen Hill, Eddie Perez, Bo Porter and Dave Martinez. Weiss is the second new manager in the NL West, joining new Diamondbacks skipper Torey Lovullo.