Thursday, October 21, 1999
Bell headed for Rockies with 3-year deal
The Associated Press
DENVER — Describing himself a player's manager who will emphasize defense and team chemistry, Buddy Bell was named the Colorado Rockies' manager Wednesday.
Bell, 48, who managed the Detroit Tigers from 1996-98, becomes the third manager in the Rockies' seven-year history, succeeding Jim Leyland, who retired after this season.
Bell, who worked for the Cincinnati Reds for the past year, most recently as director of player development, signed a three-year deal believed to be worth about $2.25 million.
General Manager Dan O'Dowd called Bell “the perfect fit for this ballclub. He knows the game. He knows how it should be played, and he will demand that from each and every one of our players.”
Bell worked with O'Dowd in the Cleveland organization.
“My initial appeal for this job, obviously, was because of Dan O'Dowd,” Bell said. “I trust Dan's leadership, I enjoy his aggressiveness and I understand his plan.
“But Dan O'Dowd is not the only reason that I'm here. I had other opportunities. I am not going to pick up my family and move to Colorado if I didn't think this was a great move.”
O'Dowd promised Bell will be surrounded with talent “to give Buddy the chance to put the kind of product on the field to realize our mission: having a championship-contending ballclub each and every year.”
Arizona coach Carlos Tosca, Cincinnati coach Ken Griffey, minor-league manager Lynn Jones and Yankees coach Willie Randolph were also considered.
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