Colorado Rockies Runners on 1st…and 2nd Guesses: Bullpen changes are needed now

Ouch my head hurts.  The constant head banging against the wall and drunken nights as I try to forget about the Colorado Rockies’ bullpen struggles has left me in almost a daily state of discomfort.

It has been a while since my last “Runners on 1st…and 2nd Guesses” so just as a reminder, this is where I take a critical eye and do some some in-depth complaining about the Colorado Rockies.

In doing so, hopefully this will stir some debate and if you agree/disagree, let us know in the comment section below or on social media.

I’ve said it before but I will say it again, Jairo Diaz and Jesus Tinoco should not be on a Major League roster at this time.  Actually, unless your name is Wade Davis, Scott Oberg, or maybe even Carlos Estevez, everyone in the bullpen should be put on notice that every time you step on the mound, your job is in jeopardy.

I am singling out Diaz and Tinoco because these two are the most unproven in the bullpen and they continue to get lit up every time they are put into the game.

The problem is the options to replace these two or anyone else for that matter within the organization is limited.  Currently in Albuquerque, there isn’t a single reliever that is ready for a high pressure situation or is mentally prepared for Coors Field.

I would like to see DJ Johnson and his unbelievable beard get another look with the Rockies.  After making the Opening Day roster, Johnson was sent down after getting shelled for a 9.26 ERA in 14 appearances.

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He hasn’t put up great overall stats in Albuquerque, but he has been much better of late for the Isotopes as he has a 1.74 ERA in his last nine outings (10 1/3 innings) going back to June 21. He also was a reliable arm late in last season’s playoff run which is more than what anyone can say about Diaz or Tinoco.

The other arm that will get called up and it is only a matter of when is Ben Bowden.  The Rockies are desperately in need of another lefty opposite of Jake McGee and Bowden is their guy.  However, after dominating Double-A Hartford for the first half of the season, he has only appeared in seven Triple-A games, pitching to a 3.86 ERA. He will likely be a September call-up but the Rockies should seriously consider pulling the trigger much sooner.

Other bullpen options include but are not limited to Sam Howard, Phillip Diehl, Chris Rusin, and Seunghwan Oh.  Oh is has only started throwing bullpen sessions since landing on the Injured List in early June so if and when he could be ready for the Majors probably wont be until August.

Finally, the last option could be converting one of the Rockies’ starters.  A lot of the talk swirling around the trade deadline is that the Rockies will be looking to add a starter or two.  If they do acquire a starter, they should consider moving Antonio Senzatela into the ‘pen.

Senzatela can be a dominate pitcher in spurts but he can get knocked around as a game goes along.  If he could focus on getting three outs instead of multiple he could be help bridge the gap to Oberg and Davis.

For the Rockies to have even a chance at making the playoffs, they have to find some way to limit these Coors Field shootouts.  So I am pleading to Jeff Bridich and Bud Black to start making some bullpen moves because I am not sure how many more of these headaches and hangovers I can handle.