SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Rockies manager Bud Black is almost always optimistic. On the opening day of spring training, his sunny disposition is almost blinding.
So I wasn’t surprised at his response Tuesday when I asked him about owner Dick Monfort‘s recent prediction that the Rockies will rise from the ashes of last year’s 91-loss season and win a franchise-record 94 games.
“Isn’t that great!” Black exclaimed. “I love that optimism. It’s awesome!”
It’s also incredibly unrealistic.
Consider that the biggest victory leap the Rockies have ever made from one season to the next was in 2009 when they won 92 games after winning only 74 victories in 2008.