DENVER — The Colorado Rockies announced Monday that Jeff Bridich has stepped down as the club's executive vice president and general manager.
Bridich spent 17 years with the Colorado Rockies organization, seven of those years as the team's general manager, the Rockies said.
"Bridich joined the Rockies baseball department in 2004 and rose to senior director of baseball operations in 2006, and then senior director of player development in 2011," the team said in a release. "Since being named general manager in 2014, Brdich oversaw the Rockie's only consecutive playoff appearances in franchise history, in 2017 and 2018."
> Above video: Rockies manager Bud Black on Bridich's resignation.
Bridich's tenure came with some success, but controversy as well. In February he traded All-Star third baseman Nolan Arenado and $51 million in cash to the St. Louis Cardinals for pitcher Austin Gomber and four minor league prospects.
The move was regarded around baseball as not nearly enough compensation for a player of Arenado's caliber, and the relationship between the potential MVP candidate and Bridich was fragile.
"The relationship wasn't always peaches and cream. There were some bumps here and there," Bridich said at the time. "Could I have done a better job in certain areas? You betcha. Absolutely."
Thomas Harding of the Rockies official website obtained a statement from Bridich about his resignation on Monday afternoon.
On Monday night, Rockies owner Dick Monfort released a statement on Bridich's resignation.
"Over the last week, Jeff, Greg (Feasel) and I determined that it was in the best interest of Jeff, his family and the Rockies, for him to step down as general manager. I’m saddened by this, but I have accepted the fact that we must move on. Jeff has dedicated the last 17 years of his life to this organization. He has been a great Rockie and been part of many memorable moments, including being the general manager for our first back-to-back playoff appearances in 2017 and 2018. I’m grateful for his leadership, professionalism and hard work. I wish Jeff and his family nothing but the very best," Monfort said.
Meanwhile, Feasel has been named the Rockies' president and chief operating officer, the club announced.
Feasel will oversee baseball operations in addition to his current responsibilities, the club said. He will also be spearheading the Rockies' role as host of the 2021 Major League Baseball (MLB) All-Star Game festivities in July.
The Rockies will be appointing an interim general manager for the remainder of the season and will conduct a search for a permanent replacement once the 2021 MLB postseason has completed.
"I’m excited to name Greg as our team president. We appreciate the focus and structure he has provided to the day-to-day business side, and I am confident he will bring that same leadership to the baseball side. Right now, we are focused on naming an interim general manager as quickly as possible and working our way back to postseason baseball," Monfort said.
As of Bridich's departure, the Rockies are 8-13 and in fifth place in the National League West.
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