Jim Tracy Resigns from Colorado Rockies Following 98-Loss Season

Colorado Rockies manager Jim Tracy resigned on Sunday following a season where the club finished with a franchise-worst 64-98 record.

Tracy, who was the Manager of the Year in 2009, compiled a 294-308 record with the Rockies after replacing Clint Hurdle.

In a statement, the Rockies wished Tracy and his family their best, and boasted of his professionalism. Bill Geivett, Colorado's team director of major league operations, was caught off guard by the Tracy's decision.

"I was surprised," said Geivett, to The Associated Press. "I wanted Jim to come back. That's how we began our conversation on Friday, that he was the manager. But he called informed me today he was resigning."

Tracy, 56, had previously managed the Los Angeles Dodgers and Pittsburgh Pirates. He served as a minor league manager for several organizations, as well.

The Rockies are the fourth team to go on a manager search in recent weeks. The Houston Astros fired Brad Mills, the Boston Red Sox pated ways with Bobby Valentine after one season, and the Cleveland Indians sacked Manny Acta.

According to the AP, Tracy was given an indefinite contract extension last spring, but it guaranteed only his 2013 salary of $1.4 million as field manager.

The Rockies had spoke with Tracy for several hours on Friday to work out a resolution on his future with the club, according to the Denver Post.