Before looking outside for a new manager, the Rockies plan to assess two internal candidates, bench coach Tom Runnells and Triple A manager Stu Cole.

It would not be a surprise if the team’s search ended with one of those two being named to replace Jim Tracy, who resigned on Sunday.

The Rockies, if they interview outside candidates, likely will consider Dodgers third base coach Tim Wallach and Indians bench Sandy Alomar Jr., among others, according to major-league sources.

But the team’s situation is so unique, club officials might simply prefer to hire someone who already understands the difficulties of playing at altitude – and someone who would be willing to work within the team’s novel front-office/field structure.

Bill Geivett, the Rockies’ director of major-league operations, works out of an office in the team’s clubhouse, assuming some of the manager’s peripheral duties and overseeing the club on a day-to-day basis.

Under the new structure, the Rockies’ manager is responsible only for dealing with the media, preparing for the game and running the game.

General manager Dan O’Dowd remains the head of the Rockies’ entire operation, but is more involved with the minor leagues and player development than in the past.

Geivett oversees the major-league side, reporting to O’Dowd, while the Rockies have other department heads overseeing scouting, player development and their international operation.

— Ken Rosenthal