’Topes introduce Schaeffer as new boss
34-year-old has managed for 5 years
Warren Schaeffer is making a second climb up the Colorado Rockies’ organizational ladder, this time as a manager.
After getting is high as Triple-A as a player, Schaeffer is ready to try his hand at leading the Albuquerque Isotopes, who introduced him Tuesday as the franchise’s seventh manager.
Unlike some previous Isotopes managers, including his predecessor Glenallen Hill, Schaeffer does not have a decorated major league playing career to look back upon. In fact, he now sees his six-year career in the minors largely as preparation for his current position.
“Yes, 100%,” Schaeffer said. “I learned a lot as player and it was fun, don’t get me wrong, but I feel like coaching and managing were always going to be better roles for me.”
At 34 years old, Schaeffer already has five years of minor league managing under his belt. He spent three years with Single-A Asheville and the past two seasons with Double-A Hartford. The Yard Goats finished 73-66 last season and Schaeffer expected to spend another season in Hartford before he was called up.
“I didn’t see this coming,” he said, “but it’s the next logical step in my progression. I’m happy to be here and happy to help the Rockies any way I can.”
A Pennsylvania native, Schaeffer brings a different per
spective to minor league managing than previous Isotopes skippers. A defensive-minded shortstop, Schaeffer was drafted out of Virginia Tech in the 38th round of the 2007 draft. He was never a highly touted prospect and batted .214 over a career that topped out with Triple-A Colorado Springs.
Schaeffer understands that life in the minor leagues can be difficult and financially challenging. To make ends meet, he worked offseason jobs during his playing career, including one at his father-in-law’s chicken ranch.
“Dirty, stinky, nasty,” he said with a laugh when asked what that job was like. “When the chickens go out every day you have to beat out their nest pads. It’s pretty disgusting. My fatherin-law does it well but you don’t want that job.”
Schaeffer much prefers managing and admits he takes advantage of the analytics that are now in vogue in baseball.
“It’s information,” he said. “Why not use it?”
But Schaeffer also believes in building relationships with his players, which figures to give him an advantage with the Isotopes. Schaeffer has already worked with many of the prospects currently working their way through the Rockies’ system.
“We’ve got a lot of talent coming through the organization now,” Schaeffer said. “It’s an exciting time to be a Rockies fan.”
As for his managerial style, Schaeffer said he prefers “fast, exciting baseball,” that includes starting baserunners, bunting or whatever is called for in a given situation. While players development remains a priority for any minor league team, Schaeffer also wants to win games.
“For me they go hand in hand,” he said. “If you develop players right, you’re going to win games. Winning itself is a skill that needs to be developed.”
Schaeffer, his wife Callie and their two children reside in Asheville, North Carolina, and he admits to having much to learn about Albuquerque. When asked the inevitable New Mexico question — Red chile or green? — Schaeffer asked, “What’s the difference?”
Schaeffer had seven career atbats against the Isotopes but never played in Albuquerque and saw Isotopes Park for the first time Tuesday. He came away impressed, as Isotopes general manager John Traub did after meeting Schaeffer.
“Terrific first impression,” Traub said. “He’s very positive, full of energy and already has ideas about reorganizing our clubhouse area. Plus, he’s already managed a lot of the Rockies’ home-grown guys, so he’s a step ahead there. I’m looking forward to working with him.”