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The Colorado Rockies have been a team tied with uncertainty; mainly dealing with issues in the bullpen and the starting rotation over the past few years. Heck, the last the last twenty years. However, the tide is starting to change at 20th and Blake.
The bullpen was the main cause for concern last season. The Rockies had the second best batting average in the Majors (.275) and the second most runs batted in (805) In 2016 — only behind the Boston Red Sox. The main concern — the Rockies blew 28 saves — tied for third worst in the Majors.
As far as 2017 goes, the bullpen has done everything you could ask from it. Granted we are just six games in to the regular season, Colorado has given up just four runs over 21.0 innings pitched — good for an ERA of 1.71. Not to mention, the Rockies are holding the opposition to an average of .174, recording 30 strikeouts over 21.0 innings pitched.
One of the main contributors last season, Adam Ottavino, is loving the direction Colorado is going.
“It’s the best thing I’ve ever been apart of. I’m just excited to be apart of it.” he said. “I don’t want to be the guy to let us down. I think thats how everybody feels. It’s crazy right now, it’s exciting. It’s going to be a strength for this team.”
Ottavino served as the teams primary closer last season. However, with the addition of Greg Holland this past offseason, he has taken the backseat as a set-up man/specialist.
When a team, such as the Rockies, loses quite a bit, the tempers and frustrations start to boil over. Not with Ottavino, however, as he has taken an optimistic approach.
“When you lose five seasons in a row, what matters after that?” Ottavino said. “We are off to a great start, we just got to keep it up for another five and a half months. And I think we can.”
If they can keep this up for another five-and-a-half months, Rockies fans are in for a phenomenal summer and the National League is in for a surprise.