DENVER - Jim Tracy has returned to Pennsylvania to attend to some projects around his house, but he could return to Denver later this week to sign a multiyear deal as the Rockies' manager.
On Monday, a major-league source close to the situation said the Rockies will first hammer out a new multiyear contract with general manager Dan O'Dowd. That deal should be worked out in the next few days, the source said, clearing the way to finalize Tracy's deal.
The Rockies are also expected to invite the entire coaching staff to return in the same roles: bench coach Tom Runnells, pitching coach Bob Apodaca, first-base coach Glenallen Hill, third-base coach Rich Dauer, hitting coach Don Baylor and bullpen coach Jim Wright.
Tracy opened the 2009 season as the Rockies' bench coach under Clint Hurdle, whom he replaced as interim manager May 29. He led the Rockies to a 74-42 record and a spot in the postseason as the National League wild-card team. Tracy is the favorite to win NL manager of the year.
Torrealba's options
Given catcher Yorvit Torrealba's strong finish to the season and his postseason heroics, it bears watching how the Rockies handle his contract. He has a mutual option for $4 million that the Rockies must decide whether to pick up within five days after the completion of the World Series. If they do, Torrealba would have 48 hours to agree or accept a $500,000 buyout.
Indications are that the Rockies want Torrealba back, but not at $4 million, because they believe Chris Iannetta could emerge as the starter again.
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