Rockies extend Hurdle's contract

DENVER, April 2 (UPI) -- Colorado Manager Clint Hurdle and General Manager Don O'Dowd have had their contracts with the Rockies extended through the 2009 season.

Hurdle, 49, has been the Colorado manager since April 26, 2002, and has a 352-436 managerial record. The Rockies were 76-86 last season. O'Dowd, 47, has been the Rockies' general manager since Sept. 20, 1999, and is credited with developing a strong Colorado farm system.

The new agreements, monetary terms of which were not released, cover the 2008 and 2009 seasons.

"We made a commitment to our organization and everyone in it a long time ago and these extensions are a part of that," Rockies President Keli McGregor said. "I met with ownership at the end of spring training and we believe this is the right decision at the right time."