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Colorado Rockies: A suggested trade for Bryan Shaw won’t work

By Kevin Henry

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JUNE 12: Bryan Shaw #29 of the Colorado Rockies throws a pitch in the eighth inning during a game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on June 12, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies won 5-4. (Photo by Hunter Martin/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JUNE 12: Bryan Shaw #29 of the Colorado Rockies throws a pitch in the eighth inning during a game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on June 12, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies won 5-4. (Photo by Hunter Martin/Getty Images) /
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There is no question that Colorado Rockies relief pitcher Bryan Shaw is struggling this season. There is also no question that the Rockies are not going to be getting rid of him any time soon, whether it’s through a DFA or a trade.

Why do I bring up the idea of a trade for Shaw? Because it was recently floated out there by Joel Sherman of the New York Post in this article. And, with the Mets coming to Coors Field on Monday to begin a four-game series, the timing of the suggestion is not only interesting but also worth diving into just a bit deeper.

In the article, Sherman suggests the Mets and Rockies trade struggling players. In the scenario, Shaw would make his way to the Big Apple while Jay Bruce (who was linked to the Rockies through rumors in the offseason) would head to Denver. A change of scenery would boost each player, right? Bruce would flourish in the thin air surrounding 20thand Blake while Shaw would reunite with Mets manager Mickey Callaway, who was Shaw’s pitching coach in Cleveland, and rediscover his mojo.

Sure, snap your fingers and all would be well with both players, right? In a perfect world, yes … but Rockies fans know full well the world has been anything but perfect this season.

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Shaw was supposed to be one of the cornerstones of a rebuilt back end of the Colorado bullpen. He’s been, to this point, more like an albatross. Would the Rockies love to get rid of him? Honestly, no … they would much rather that he regain his form and help the bullpen rather than give Bud Black and the rest of us heartburn every time he enters the game.

If you’re a Rockies fan who cringes that Shaw was given a three-year, $27 million deal, just think of your reaction if Bruce’s contract for the same time frame and $39 million came on the books. Hey, let’s pay a struggling corner outfielder a decent wage and hope he gets right this season! It seems like the Rockies have already rolled the bones a couple of times in the offseason and previous years on this type of model. Why do it again?

Do I believe the Rockies need a shot in the arm at the trade deadline to keep pace in the National League postseason race? Absolutely. But what an amazing shot in the arm it would be for Shaw and Jake McGee to pitch up to the levels of their contract. The fact we are even discussing how the Rockies could boost their bullpen at the trade deadline is crazy after that was the focus of the offseason.

Next: Would a big trade really benefit the Rockies in 2018?

Swap a pair of struggling players? No thanks. I would much rather see Shaw go on the disabled list with an “injury” and get right, then come back and pitch like he has in years past. I’ll trade the broken Bryan Shaw for that version any day of the week.

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