How many times can a manager stand in front of the media after a tough loss and say, confidently and with a straight face, that “the worm will turn”?
As many times as necessary, per Bud Black’s Playbook For Keeping Things Together.
The “worm will turn” phrase, which Black has had to utter a few more times than he would probably care to admit throughout the first half of a roller-coaster season, epitomizes the manager’s steely demeanor that has helped Colorado get back on track following a franchise-worst 3-12 start.
Of course, even with the faith and 100 percent buy-in from the clubhouse, a manager isn’t squat without the performance of his players.