Rockies GM backing manager Bud Black looks even more foolish after humiliating loss vs. Padres

Now seems like the right time for the Colorado Rockies to make sweeping organizational changes. 

On Saturday in Denver, the San Diego Padres destroyed the Rockies 21-0, falling one run short of tying the largest shutout wins in MLB history. According to ESPN, Colorado (6-33) tied the 1988 Baltimore Orioles for the worst 39-game start in Major League Baseball since 1900 following the loss.

While the organization has reached a low point, Rockies general manager Bill Schmidt backed manager Bud Black before Saturday night's blowout.  

"I think our guys are still playing hard, and that's what I look at," Schmidt said, via Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post. "Guys are working hard every day, they come with energy, for the most part. I don't think we are [at the point of firing Black]. Guys still believe in what we're doing and where we are headed. We are all frustrated."

Schmidt then insisted there are still reasons for optimism.

"I feel for the fans. I feel for the people around here," the GM said. "I know we are better than we have played, but we are not good right now. We have to battle through it and get to the other side.

"There are still a lot of games left. I think we can turn it around, but it's going to take a whole group to do it. The guys are working to get better." 

It's fair to wonder if Schmidt feels the same after watching the Padres dismantle the Rockies. If the GM does, he may be delusional.

As of Sunday morning, FanGraphs Baseball projects that the Rockies will finish 55-107.

Not all blame falls on Black. Since owner Dick Monfort took control of the team from his brother, Charlie, in 2011, the club has nosedived. It has made just two playoff appearances during this timeframe, finishing last in the National League West six times.

However, in nine seasons with Colorado, Black has yet to prove he can build a perennial contender. He has a 543-690 record in the regular season and one playoff win. Colorado has missed the playoffs in its past six seasons under the manager. 

Clearly, the Rockies must enter rebuilding mode, which starts with drastic changes.