Hurdle to reportedly land new job in AL

ARLINGTON, Tex. - According to a published report, former Colorado Rockies skipper Clint Hurdle is expected to be named the hitting coach of the Texas Rangers.

The Dallas Morning News reported the expected hiring, citing three sources. However, they say an official announcement wouldn't come until after the conclusion of the World Series, out of respect for the Fall Classic.

Hurdle was fired from the Rockies on May 29 after leading the team to a sluggish 18-28 start. The firing came after a three-game sweep at the hands of the rival Los Angeles Dodgers at Coors Field.

Jim Tracy took over the Rockies, leading them to a franchise best record and a return trip to the playoffs.

It won't be Hurdle's first stint as a hitting coach with a big league club. He started as a hitting instructor with the Rockies from 1997 to 2002, before being promoted to manager.

Hurdle led the 2007 Rockies all the way to the World Series, thanks to a late-season run that included wins in 21 of 22 games. He managed the National League All-Star team in 2008.

According to the report, Hurdle is expected to beat out Thad Bosely, Gerald Perry and former Rangers hitting star Rusty Greer for the position.