Rockies owner Dick Monfort wants manager Walt Weiss back in 2014 and Weiss is committed to returning, paving the way for him to come back for a second season. The sides must negotiate a new contract, considered a formality given the mutual interest of the parties.

“It was up to him. We are trying to figure out a way where the contract is not an issue. He’s done a good job. He’s improved, he’s been loyal,” Monfort said Friday during an exclusive interview with The Denver Post. “I have seen a lot of growth. I am pleased with him.”

Weiss’ situation was uncertain because of the unusual one-year contract he accepted as Jim Tracy’s replacement. He agreed to those terms last November after a whirlwind courtship following Tracy’s exit from the team. Weiss went from helping the Rockies’ search committee to becoming the team’s top choice, leaving his head coaching job at Regis Jesuit High School. Weiss negotiated his own contract, and was open to the one-year deal in order to prove himself and see how his family adjusted to the jarring change in his schedule.

Weiss hasn’t talked with the Rockies about a new deal, tabling that for after the season. Unlike Tracy, who became uncomfortable with the front office arrangement, Weiss and the club have no lingering issues that would prevent him from returning.

“I want to come back. I just figure there will be a time where they come to me about it. I am not going to initiate anything. That’s not my place,” Weiss told The Post. “I enjoy it. I definitely want to continue doing this.”

There were times Monfort admittedly wondered whether Weiss was long for the position. Weiss never seemed overwhelmed to Monfort, but he definitely wore the results.

“I was a little worried. It is a grind. I have asked about a half dozen times about (the job), and his face brightens up,” Monfort said.

Weiss said Friday that any anger or disappointment was related to defeats, not dissatisfaction with the job. He reached his flash point Aug. 9, conducting a team meeting after a dreadful 1-9 road trip that included embarrassing mental lapses. The Rockies entered Friday at 18-20 since.

“Losing is hard. I don’t like it at all,” Weiss said. “But that happens in this game during a long season. There were a couple of stretches where I got upset with how we were playing the game, how we were losing. I have told the guys, and I know it’s a cliché, but I am fine with them as long as they give their best shot.”

The Rockies entered Friday at 70-84 overall and stuck in the National League West basement. The record represents a six-game improvement from last year. Monfort understands the criticism of the team, but is encouraged by the improved starting pitching (specifically Jorge De La Rosa, Jhoulys Chacin and Tyler Chatwood) and, when healthy, the lineup.

“Walt was put in a tough situation early, where we were going to use piggyback (relievers). And our starters went deeper into games, which was a good problem to have. But it changed how he had to use the bullpen,” Monfort said. “He dealt with it well. He’s dealt with the players well. We know we need to make improvements, but I am happy with Walt.”

Troy E. Renck: trenck@denverpost.com or twitter.com/troyrenck