The 100 Greatest Colorado Rockies: 61 Mike DeJean

We continue our look at the top 100 Colorado Rockies of all time in this article. Here, we look at No. 61 on our list, Mike DeJean.

There was never anything flashy about Mike DeJean but he was a work horse and became one of the best relievers for the Colorado Rockies. He debuted in Denver and played 10 seasons in the majors. The Rockies were the first team he pitched for in the majors, but he was drafted by the Yankees in 1992 after making appearances in the Division II College World Series representing Livingston University.

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He was traded to the Rockies in 1996 and he debuted relatively late when he was 26 in May of 1997. He pitched 67.2 innings his first season the majors compiling a 3.99 ERA with a 5-0 record. He lowered his ERA to 3.03 the next season going 3-1 with a 3.03 ERA in 74.1 innings.

Then in 1999, DeJean’s career could have easily ended. He accumulated a 8.41 ERA in 61 innings which was arguably his worst season. He was given another chance and got his ERA down to 4.89. Still the improvement wasn’t enough and he was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers.

He had some of his best years in Milwaukee though going 4-2 with a 2.77 ERA in 84.1 innings. In 2002 he became the Brewer’s primary closer earning 27 saves with a 3.12 ERA. He would go on to play with the Cardinals, Orioles and Mets before returning to the Rockies in 2005.

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He pitched well to end his career pitching 36.2 innings in the second half of the 2005 season with a 3.19 ERA. He only pitched one game in 2006 and it happened to be his last. His WAR with the Rockies was It seems fitting that he ended his career right where he started. DeJean became the epitome what a Rockies reliever should be. A guy who can eat up innings without bringing much attention.

Check out the previous story about number 62 Jamey Carroll here.

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