Weiss not speculating on future with Rockies

September 24th, 2016
Walt Weiss's two-year contract is up at the end of this season, his fourth managing the Rockies. (AP)

LOS ANGELES -- Rockies manager Walt Weiss has starred in several stories speculating which managers won't return for 2017, but Weiss won't participate in the rumors because he holds at least part of the answer.
Weiss's two-year contract is up at the end of this season, his fourth managing the club. The Rockies would have to go on a borderline miracle to finish for his first above-.500 season, but what looks to be a solid third-place finish in the National League West -- in a year when the club went into August in contending position -- represents improvement.
Weiss and general manager Jeff Bridich figure to meet at season's end to reach a decision. Bridich inherited Weiss, who was hired Nov. 7, 2012 by former GM and chief baseball officer Dan O'Dowd. But by then, O'Dowd's job was split with Bill Geivett, who maintained an office in the clubhouse.
So will the Rockies continue with Bridich and Weiss? Will either side part ways? Weiss declined to speculate.
"We both have to make sure there's still a fit here, that's all," Weiss said. "I want to make sure it's still a fit for me and I'm sure the team wants to feel the same."
Weiss entered Friday's second game of a four-game set with the Dodgers with a 281-358 record. Since taking the job, the Rockies have built with the farm system -- that Bridich ran before becoming GM after the 2014 season -- and have used trades of shortstop (to the Blue Jays) and (to the Rays) in part to build with prospects. The improvement of the starting pitching and the solid lineup are reasons that Weiss believes the team has a good future.
"I love these guys," Weiss said.
Brushes with greatness
The Dodgers honored their longtime broadcast legend, Vin Scully, during an on-field ceremony before Friday's game for Vin Scully Appreciation Night. Weiss noted that the Rockies have been part of several special nights this season.
"We've gotten to see some pretty cool things this year," Weiss said. "We saw Mike Piazza's retired jersey (when the Mets honored the Hall of Famer) and Jim Thome going into the Phillies Hall of Fame, and now getting to see Vin."

Parra better
was scheduled to start at first base Thursday but was scratched because of illness. Parra was not in Friday's lineup but was moving around better before the game.