By Jordan Long
The Colorado Rockies are 37-38 so far this season. Before the year started, the strength was going to be the bullpen. The Rockies signed Bryan Shaw and Wade Davis. Shaw agreed to a 3-year $27 million deal while Davis decided on 3-years $52 million. The Rockies were hoping both of these pitchers would shut down opponents in late innings.
It has not happened. The Rockies have the worst combined ERA for relievers in MLB so far this season at 5.65. Every time Manager Bud Black goes to the bullpen, they can’t shut the door. Teams are hitting the baseball for base hits or home runs. The Rockies pitchers don’t have command. Black keeps the pitchers in too long and by the time he takes them out, the Rockies are either losing or tied.
Shaw was going to be the setup man for Davis. He hasn’t proven he can handle those duties with a 7.20 ERA. Teams look like they are having batting practice on him. He is leaving the ball up in the zone for easy hits. Shaw has given up 7 home runs, far too many.
The Rockies thought Davis would fix their closer position. He was outstanding with the Chicago Cubs last year, saving 32 out of 33 opportunities with a 2.30 ERA with 79 strikeouts and 28 walks. The Cubs trusted him to close games out.
In Colorado it has been the opposite. Davis can’t seem to get a first pitch strike. When that occurs, he falls behind in the count and it is difficult for him to come back to strike a batter out. Davis has 18 free passes, far too many. Those have helped lead to 4 blown saves.
Davis hasn’t been worth the money. It is early in the season and there is plenty time for him to improve. If he continues to have poor outings, Black might need to put in a different pitcher as the closer.
The only pitcher Black can trust from the bullpen is Adam Ottavino who has a 0.83 ERA. He is able to come into games and strike batters out. He doesn’t miss the zone with only 1 home run). His problem has been walks with 11, but that hasn’t hurt him to this point.
The Rockies know the bullpen must do its’ job. It hasn’t yet. It is still early so there is time for them to improve. If they continue to struggle, changes will be coming and those could be trades.
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