<p>DENVER — The Colorado Rockies have appointed Bill Schmidt as their interim general manager after parting ways with Jeff Bridich.</p>
<p>Schmidt has been with the team for nearly 22 years and has been in his current role of vice president of scouting since Jan. 2, 2007. Schmidt also was a scout for Cleveland, the New York Yankees, Cincinnati and the Major League Baseball scouting bureau.</p>
<p>Colorado plans to begin a search for a permanent general manager following the postseason.</p>
<p>Schmidt takes over for Bridich, who recently stepped away as part of an agreement with the team. Schmidt will be in charge of the team’s baseball operations.</p>
<p>"After discussions with the baseball department heads, we have come to the conclusion that Bill is the right person for interim GM,” team President Greg Feasel said in a statement Monday. “Bill’s experience and his relationships from top to bottom throughout our organization, including the players, coaches and staff on the field, more than qualify him for this role.”</p>
<p>The Rockies announced April 26 that Bridich was stepping away. He was in his seventh season as the team’s GM. The decision ended a tenure that included two playoff appearances and a falling out with Nolan Arenado that culminated with the All-Star third baseman’s offseason trade to St. Louis.</p>
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