DENVER, April 26 (UPI) -- The Colorado Rockies, off to the worst start in club history, Friday fired manager Buddy Bell and replaced him with hitting coach Clint Hurdle.
The Rockies have lost five straight and, at 6-16, have the worst record in the National League. The 50-year-old Bell is in his third year at the helm in Colorado but compiled just a 161-185 record.
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Colorado spent more than $170 million on contracts for lefthanded starters Mike Hampton and Denny Neagle prior to the 2001 season and Bell guided the team to a last-place finish.
The 45-year-old Hurdle has spent nine years in the organization and made his managerial debut Friday night against the Philadelphia Phillies.
