New manager could be GM Bridich’s legacy

DENVER — Now comes the true test for Rockies general manager Jeff Bridich.

Three years into his tenure as the head man in the franchise’s baseball operation, and with one year remaining on his contract, he has a team of young players that many feel is ready to contend in the National League West next season.

It is up to Bridich to find the field manager who can push the Rockies to that next level.

And this guy will be Bridich’s guy.

On Monday, the day after the season ended, the Rockies announced they were in the market for a replacement for Walt Weiss, whom Bridich inherited when he was promoted to general manager in the wake of Dan O’Dowd declining a contract extension. This was Weiss’ fourth year as manager.

Weiss also was the Rockies’ starting shortstop from 1994-97 and was a special assistant to O’Dowd for seven years before getting out of the game to focus on his family.

Bridich showed at the Trade Deadline he is not afraid to make a bold move. He dealt shortstop Troy Tulowitzki, the face of the franchise, to the Blue Jays for three pitching prospects, which became an uneasy situation when Tulowitzki publicly criticized the organization for not keeping him in the loop on the trade possibilities.

But the trading of Tulowitzki and last off-season’s signings of veteran free-agent relievers Jason Motte and Chad Qualls, who struggled in the back end of a bullpen that was the team’s fatal flaw in 2016, are only sidelights to Bridich’s next decision.

His ultimate stamp on the franchise could be the success of his next manager.

The Rockies have had only seven winning seasons in 24 years of existence, and three of those came in their first five years, including 1995, when in their third season, they claimed the first NL Wild Card and …

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