TUCSON, Ariz. - Colorado Rockies manage Clint Hurdle was cover boy for Sports Illustrated at the age of 20, his smiling picture in the spring of 1978 next to the headline "This Year's Phenom.'' At the age of 21, he was the starting first baseman for the Kansas City Royals in the ALCS. Three years later he was in their World Series lineup. Hurdle even believed the hype himself.
Time, however, taught him better.
"You know, if you want to make God laugh,'' Hurdle said, "try telling him what you plan to do tomorrow.''
So Hurdle shrugs off any talk about the fact he is among a dozen managers heading into a season in the final year of his contract. The lack of security is no big deal for the guys with track records — Jim Leyland in Detroit, Bobby Cox in Atlanta and Tony La Russa in St. Louis. Having taken Tampa Bay to not only its first winning record ever, but also a World Series appearance, Joe Maddon knows an extension looms.
Hurdle is in a world of uncertainty, along with the likes of Dave Trembley in Baltimore, Bob Geren in Oakland, Ron Washington in Texas, Manny Acta in Washington, Cecil Cooper in Houston, Buddy Black in San Diego and Bruce Bochy in San Francisco.
He, however, shows no concern.
"For me, the length of my contract doesn't define me,'' said Hurdle. "The contract is not my motivation. My desire to manage this ballclub is because I am passionate about this organization and its fan base. I love every day that I am on the job. That's not going to change.''
And that, said general manager Dan O'Dowd, whose contract also is in its final year, is the way it should be.
"The contract situation becomes a distraction if a person allows it to be a distraction,'' said O'Dowd. "It never was a distraction for Walter Alston (who never received a multi-year deal from the Dodgers). The relationship Clint and I have and how we function together is more important than a piece of paper. I think we are both very comfortable with how we interact.''
Hurdle's contract situation, however, will lead to speculation.
"I understand that and I'll answer the questions,'' he said. "That's the reality of the game. But that doesn't mean it will be an issue for me. I have a lot of confidence in my own ability. I have a lot of confidence in the coaching staff. I have a lot of confidence in the players.''
Starting rotation
RHP Rick Porcello, a first-round pick in 2007, is a candidate for the Tigers' rotation. There have already been four pitchers from the 2007 draft make big-league debuts.
The four who have been in the big leagues:
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