Colorado Rockies: It's time to stop calling Jon Gray "mentally weak"

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ARLINGTON, TX – JUNE 17: Jon Gray #55 of the Colorado Rockies pitches against the Texas Rangers during the first inning at Globe Life Park in Arlington on June 17, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) /

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Now, as I’ve stated in the past, I’m no major league pitching coach, so I’m not going to pretend to know what Gray’s exact problem was, or what he needs to do to make sure he doesn’t experience a repeat of 2018. There’s not a doubt in my mind that Gray has been working extensively with the Rockies’ coaching staff to right whatever went wrong last year. A recent column by The Denver Post‘s Patrick Saunders included this quote from Gray, regarding speculation of his mental weakness:

"“It’s so ridiculous, I can’t even respond to it. I wasn’t at a point last year to feel strong, to feel confident. It was hard, because I was doing everything I knew and I still wasn’t getting results.”"

I don’t know about anyone else, but I’m going to trust what Gray says over what anyone else thinks to know what’s really going on inside his skull.

My main point is this: while Gray’s overall numbers and results weren’t pretty last year, his peripheral stats suggest last year should not have been as bad as it was. Additionally, it was one bad season. Those tend to happen in sports, and Gray has shown everyone what he is capable of when he’s on his game.

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Before we start crucifying him for his disappointing 2018 season and questioning his mental health, let’s give him a chance to get back on the right track and be the starter the Rockies know he can be and need him to be.