Colorado Rockies: Top 50 Rockies of All-Time 40-31

DENVER - APRIL 4: Fans pour into Coors Field for opening day for a game between the San Diego Padres and the Colorado Rockies on April 4, 2005 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
DENVER - APRIL 4: Fans pour into Coors Field for opening day for a game between the San Diego Padres and the Colorado Rockies on April 4, 2005 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) /
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7 Jul 1996: Pitcher Bruce Ruffin of the Colorado Rockies against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California. (Mandatory Credit: Jed Jacobsohn /Allsport)
7 Jul 1996: Pitcher Bruce Ruffin of the Colorado Rockies against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California. (Mandatory Credit: Jed Jacobsohn /Allsport) /

35. Bruce Ruffin (Rockies career WAR: 6.8)

Bruce was a high-round reclamation project that went from below average to All-Star level after being moved from the rotation to the bullpen. The only above-average season he had as a starter was his rookie year with the Phillies. He tried one last time in 1993, his first year in Denver, and failed to stick in the rotation.

From 1994-1997 though, he was one of the most valuable bullpen arms at Don Baylor’s disposal. His career year came in 1996 where he won 7 games, saved 24 games, and racked up 79 strikeouts in 69.1 IP for an ERA+ of 130 and 3.23 FIP showing that 4.00 ERA was quite a bit unlucky.