Cole, Runnells in running for Rockies' managerial job

The Colorado Rockies' managerial search will include two in-house candidates.

Bench coach Tom Runnells and Triple-A Colorado Springs manager Stu Cole are both in the running to replace Jim Tracy, according to multiple media reports.

Tracy resigned Sunday, stepping away from a $1.4 million contract to lead the team next season.

Runnells, 57, has major league managerial experience, having guided the Montreal Expos for parts of the 1991 and 1992 seasons. He compiled a 68-81 record. Before becoming the Rockies' bench coach in 2009, he had served as a minor league manager in the Colorado farm system.

Runnells played parts of 1985 and 1986 with the Cincinnati Reds, going 8-for-46 (.174) in 40 games.

Cole, 46, spent three years managing the Rockies' Double-A Tulsa affiliate before taking over as Colorado Springs' manager in 2009. His brief major league playing career consisted of nine games and a .143 average (1-for-7) in 1991 with the Kansas City Royals.

The Denver Post speculated that other candidates to succeed Tracy might include Sandy Alomar Jr., the Cleveland Indians' interim manager who was passed over for the full-time job in favor of Terry Francona; Ryne Sandberg, recently promoted to third base coach by the Philadelphia Phillies; and current Rockies first baseman Jason Giambi.