Colorado Rockies Pitching: Bud Black’s Best Quotes

During his introductory press conference on Monday, new Colorado Rockies manager Bud Black talked a lot about pitching. Knowing Black’s background as a player and coach, that shouldn’t come as a big surprise. Also knowing Colorado’s biggest problem in recent years, the fact that Black talked a lot about pitching shouldn’t surprise anyone either.

“When I spoke with (Colorado general manager) Jeff (Bridich) and the guys, we had a really good day. The conversation was great. We talked a lot of good baseball and philosophy. We got to know each other. They were extremely honest and open and I tried to do the same,” Black told reporters.

Of course, much of that conversation focused on pitching. While many of us outside the organization are focused on pitchers who could come in for the Rockies this season (I outlined some options here), Black believes there is talent on this team, including the pitchers, to carry it into the postseason.

“The pitching side is going to be a challenge no matter where you are,” Black said. “The big thing is to keep the guys who have been here and who have made steps forward, especially last year, to keep that trend. Guys like (Chad) Bettis, (Tyler) Chatwood, and (Jon) Gray. We also need to get guys back on track who maybe had off years last year. A few guys in the bullpen who were maybe just a little off-kilter, we have to get those guys back on track. We have to develop the younger pitchers who are coming through the system. We have to get them acclimated to big league pitching.

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“There are 15, 16 or 17 guys who will ultimately take on a lot of the innings here. That number is staying relatively healthy and that’s critical. The talent base of the pitching is there when you look at the scouting report or when you hear scouts talk. They’re excited about the talent and the arms and the guys have to keep progressing.”

Of course, when you talk about the Rockies and pitching, the subject of Coors Field must come up. With his experience managing the San Diego Padres, Black feels comfortable embracing the altitude at his new home park.

“It definitely helps. Obviously I don’t know 81 games here during the regular season but I know nine or 10 times for nine years,” Black said. “I’ve seen shutouts. I’ve seen low-scoring games. As (Rockies TV play-by-play) Drew Goodman said, I’ve seen ping-pong games here as well. I would hope that I’m not surprised by anything and embrace it.

“It’s baseball. Whether you’re playing in Miami, Toronto or St. Louis, it’s a baseball game. It’s our nine guys versus theirs and somebody has to come out on top in the end. We’re going to do everything we can to get our players where they need to be. The thing that I like that about this situation is that our players feel that too. I sense that. I get the vibe that our players feel good about themselves and each other and the team. That’s a great start. I’m excited about that.”

Black had some interesting things to say about his starters, the much-maligned Colorado bullpen and his familiarity with the National League West. We’ve compiled some of the best of his quotes from his opening conference on those subjects on the next page.