The speculation is over for Clint Hurdle. The Rockies have scheduled a 2:30 news conference to announce that Hurdle has been relieved of his duties and that Jim Tracy will take over on an interim basis.
The firing comes on the heels of a three-game sweep at the hands of the Dodgers, putting the Rockies 10 games under .500 and 14-1/2 games out of first place in the National League West.
Despite trading away their best hitter this offseason in Matt Holliday, the front office believed that with a healthy Todd Helton and Troy Tulowitzki the team should be competitive in the N.L. West.
Even with young talent, the club has underperformed from the beginning. They have won only two series all year on the road, and have played poorly at home, going 7-13.
It was clear that Hurdle was desperate when he chose to bench Tulowitzki in Atlanta the day after he hit into a double play late in a game that the Rockies were in need of baserunners. The move was an attempt to show that Hurdle was going to rule with more of an iron fist.
The club ranks near at at the bottom of the National League in almost every pitching and hitting category.
The rumors began that Hurdle was on the hot seat before the season began as management chose to let Hurdle go into the final year of his contract without offering an extension.
Hurdle took over for Buddy Bell in April of 2002 and finishes his career as Rockies manager with an overall 534-625 record.
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