Aug 30, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Colorado Rockies catcher D. Garneau (50) and relief pitcher J. Axford (66) celebrate after defeating the Pittsburgh Pirates 5-0 at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Denver good for John Axford & family
(via MLB.com)
John Axford had a very nice interview with MLB.com this week, and explicitly states he wants to come back to Colorado next year (likely as a setup man, at least after Adam Ottavino returns from elbow surgery). Speaking to reporters, Axford said of the Rox:
"“The Rockies have been great this year from top to bottom with everything that’s gone on. I want to be back here and be part of the Colorado Rockies team that pulls together and goes back to the playoffs. That’s something this team is capable of doing.”"
Hmm… not sure about that last part (haven’t we heard that before?), and not sure Axford — or any veteran — fits into the Rockies’ relief plans, though perhaps another bridge year won’t hurt them.
[ Related: Kyle Kendrick proves himself to the Colorado Rockies ]
Don’t get me wrong, we’ve roundly, harshly criticized Axford and felt the Rockies should’ve just gone younger from the start, but they didn’t, and now Axford has righted the ship to end the year on a strong note. And, obviously, even with promising younger bullpen options like Justin Miller, Jairo Diaz, and Miguel Castro, the Colorado Rockies are still going to need a veteran or two down there, as well.
What do you think: will Ax be back in 2016? Will he ever see the playoffs as a member of the Colorado Rockies?