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Colorado Rockies simulation: An added piece for the bullpen

By Kevin Henry

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - SEPTEMBER 16: David Phelps #37 of the Chicago Cubs delivers the ball in the ninth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Wrigley Field on September 16, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - SEPTEMBER 16: David Phelps #37 of the Chicago Cubs delivers the ball in the ninth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Wrigley Field on September 16, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images) /
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In the final move for the Colorado Rockies in the FanSided Fake Winter Meetings, we decided to pick up an inexpensive veteran reliever who we believe could help the bullpen.

If you have been following along with our simulation, you know that we traded away veteran relievers (with sizable contracts) Wade Davis and Bryan Shaw. In our simulation, both were expected to fulfill a mid- to late innings role with the Colorado Rockies this season. Scott Oberg, Carlos Estevez and Jairo Diaz can hold down the late innings with the veterans hopefully setting the table.

At least that was our thought when we signed David Phelps to a one-year, $1 million deal. The 33-year-old right-hander compiled 0.7 WAR last season (that would have been the third-highest in the Rockies bullpen behind Oberg and Estevez) while striking out 36 in 34.1 innings of work split between the Toronto Blue Jays and Chicago Cubs.

In 2017, his FIP was 2.70 in 10 games with the Seattle Mariners before he developed elbow problems. He then tore his UCL and missed all of 2018. He came back last season with a solid campaign split between two teams (the Cubs traded for him at the deadline to boost their bullpen) as he tried to build back up his velocity.

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With a fastball sitting in the 92-94 mph range, Phelps developed a cutter that he used to a higher extent last season. In our simulation, Phelps is considered somewhat of a sixth- or seventh-inning arm who can be a bridge to the trio we mentioned above for the Rockies.

Signing Phelps is a low-risk, high-reward proposition. The money is there after moving Shaw and Davis and, if he performs, Phelps could pay dividends. Sure, it is an “if” question … but don’t most relievers have that tied to them (as we’ve seen with Shaw, Davis and Jake McGee)?

Tomorrow, we will reveal our simulated Opening Day roster based on the moves we have made in these not-real-life trades and acquisitions. Spoiler alert: There has definitely been a shake-up.

Next. Could this Reds catcher be a Rockies trade target?. dark

Until then, what do you think of the simulated Phelps deal? Was it worth a shot or a waste of money? Let us know in the comments section below.

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