DENVER — Bill Schmidt, who has run the Rockies’ MLB Draft since 2000 and has more than 30 years of scouting experience, was chosen Monday as the Rockies’ interim general manager.
Schmidt replaces Jeff Bridich, who resigned a week ago during his seventh season as GM. The Rockies have announced that they will fill Bridich’s post after the regular season.
Schmidt takes over at a key time for the Rockies. The team hoped to outperform expectations that were lowered when star third baseman Nolan Arenado was traded to the Cardinals before Spring Training. However, the Rockies entered Monday night’s game against the Giants at 10-18, and tied for the second-fewest victories in the Majors.
Questions such as whether trades of standouts like shortstop Trevor Story, pitcher Jon Gray and relief pitcher Mychal Givens — all are eligible for free agency this coming offseason — will have to be addressed as this season’s Trade Deadline approaches, especially if the Rockies continue to struggle.
Schmidt and a Rockies scouting department that has been stable — Bridich added to it during his term — will be leaned upon heavily, since information on not only current Rockies but all players has been collected since their amateur days.