Colorado Rockies: Four quotes that explain so much about the bullpen

It is no secret that the Colorado Rockies bullpen hasn’t lived up to expectations in many areas. Bryan Shaw has struggled mightily, including giving up his first career grand slam on Saturday in a crushing loss to the Miami Marlins. Jake McGee has surrendered runs in five of his last six outings. Closer Wade Davis has a 10.57 ERA in June.

Those three relievers are not only the biggest signings of the offseason for the Rockies (and where the majority of the offseason payroll went) but they are also three of the players Colorado said would be the difference-makers for them to reach their second consecutive postseason.

Well, as we know, things haven’t gone according to plan. There is still time for things to turn around and for the Rockies to make a run at the National League West lead … but we are growing very near to the halfway point of the season.

With that in mind, it’s important for Rockies fans to understand the current mindset when it comes to the bullpen. That includes understanding that, other than a trip to the disabled list (like happened to Shaw on Sunday), the veteran relievers who may be causing you (and Bud Black) to have some sleepless nights aren’t going to Triple-A Albuquerque and aren’t going to be designated for assignment.

After listening to Black over the last few games, I thought I’d put together some of the most telling quotes about the bullpen and some context behind them. It may help fans understand what Black and Rockies management is thinking when it comes to the relief corps.

Let’s dive in…