The Colorado Rockies are on the hunt for a new front office leader, and they're casting their net wide. It's a bold move for a team known for its loyalty and insular nature, but after three consecutive seasons of 101+ losses, change is necessary.
The Rockies have interviewed three external candidates: James Click, Scott Sharp, and Matt Forman. Each brings a unique set of experiences and skills to the table, and their potential appointments could signal a new direction for the club.
But here's where it gets interesting...
James Click, the only one of the trio with front office leadership experience, is a fascinating choice. After a successful stint with the Astros, where he guided them to a World Series win, Click reportedly parted ways with owner Jim Crane due to behind-the-scenes tensions. Now, he's with the Blue Jays, but his name has been linked to other teams in the past, including the Red Sox.
Scott Sharp, a long-time Royals employee, has held various roles since 2006, including assistant GM and senior VP. He's been courted by other clubs, like the Mets and Angels, and was even in the running for the Giants' GM job last winter.
Matt Forman, like Sharp, has risen through the ranks in Cleveland, starting as a scout and eventually becoming assistant GM and executive VP. Both Forman and Sharp were connected to the Nationals' front office search, but ultimately, Paul Toboni was hired.
So, who will be the frontrunner? And will any of these candidates be enticed by the unique challenges of building a winner in Colorado?
The Rockies' search is a fascinating one. The altitude and thin air present unique obstacles, especially for pitchers and injury management. But for the right person, it could be an enticing puzzle to solve, with the potential for great recognition.
And this is the part most people miss: with only 30 front office jobs in all of baseball, these candidates might not want to rule out any opportunities. Teams generally encourage their employees to pursue promotions elsewhere, so it's unlikely the Blue Jays, Royals, or Guardians will stand in the way.
Who do you think will be the Rockies' next front office leader? And what unique strategies might they employ to turn the team's fortunes around? Let's discuss in the comments!