Colorado Rockies 2015 Season Preview
By Bobby DeMuro
Jul 11, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Rockies relief pitcher Boone Logan (48) delivers a pitch in the eighth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Coors Field. The Rockies defeated the Twins 6-2. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
A Deeper, Fresh Bullpen Than Before
The bullpen isn’t full of world-beaters and it’s not the sexiest bunch of names (could we please have Craig Kimbrel, Padres?) but more so than last year this unit is deep and filled with veterans who (theoretically) can get outs.
Adam Ottavino leads the way even though he won’t be the closer, at least to begin with, despite having solid numbers and a devastating slider that racks up strikeouts.
LaTroy Hawkins, Rafael Betancourt, and Boone Logan provide veteran leadership and an understanding of how to pitch in tight games, even though each of them has their own issues. Hawkins pitches to far too much contact to be a successful closer, and is north of 40 years old. Betancourt, too, will soon be 40 years old and despite his history, he’s an unknown commodity coming off Tommy John surgery, so his consistency is unknown. Logan is coming off a very poor (and unhealthy) season, and has something to prove to the Rockies.
Behind them, Brooks Brown (who I am high on) and Christian Friedrich (who did well in a small sample size last season) figure to get middle relief and/or situational outings this summer. Rex Brothers could still be a valuable member of the pen if he can figure himself out down in AAA, but the window will fast close on him if he’s unable to correct his mechanical issues and get his career back on track.
Jairo Diaz and Tommy Kahnle will likely be up at some point from AAA Albuquerque along with Brothers, and they both have power arms who could develop into solid back-end bullpen guys next season after Hawkins (and perhaps Betancourt) retire.
Overall, the Rockies don’t have the Padres bullpen, but the club is in a different place from A.J. Preller’s San Diego unit. In light of what has been and what could have been, it’s hard not to give the Rockies a solid B for their bullpen efforts.
Next: The Starting Rotation