Q&A: Bridich details how he became Rockies’ GM

Jeff Bridich, embarking on his third season as the general manager of the Rockies, admits the team is at a crossroads. Colorado is looking to become a factor in the National League West, and at the age of 39, it is a challenge he welcomes.

Bridich discussed his road to becoming a GM in this week’s Q&A:

MLB.com: You come across a bit more serious than others in your profession. Is that your general nature?

Bridich: In terms of representing an organization publicly, I think there is a lot of thought. I’m fairly careful, fairly conscientious about what is said. If you ask my wife, I’m more careful than not. There’s not a whole lot of time where I just fly off the handle or say things off the cuff. You’re dealing with people’s lives, their careers, things that players or people who work in an organization like the Rockies take pride in what they do. They worked long and hard to try and get where they are, and try to develop some expertise, so there is a level of seriousness.

MLB.com: You said we can ask your wife. So when you proposed, was it a drawn-out thought process?

Bridich: It actually was. I blame the Boston Red Sox. The Boston Red Sox were not supposed to win that World Series in 2004 in four games. They were supposed to go back to Boston so Sarah and I could go back to Boston where we met, and I could propose to her in Boston. But they won it in four games, which means I had to call an audible and figure things out, so I had to adjust. I had to hang on to the ring for longer than I wanted to. I was nervous. I was thinking, “Where do you put this ring that I just bought?” I had to find a place to lock it up, make sure she couldn’t get to it, make sure it wasn’t stolen somewhere. But of course, I blame the Red Sox.

MLB.com: You followed in your father’s footsteps going to Harvard. Did you envision a career in pro baseball at that time?

Bridich: My dad played both football and baseball. That was part of the thought process: “Should I play football? Should I not?” Ultimately, the decision was no. I do have some regrets, but I think the reality of trying to succeed as an …

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