New York – A typical reliever has failed as a starter, lost a valuable pitch, demonstrated fleeting command. Yet his importance can’t be overstated.
A comparison can be drawn to child-rearing, perhaps fitting, given the labor pains pitching causes gray-haired managers. When a bullpen lines up, it is the equivalent of a fussy toddler taking a nap. That snooze is a stressed-out parent’s bridge to sanity. As such, effective relievers used in order are a team’s bridge to victory.
All of this helps explain why the Rockies need a win today to avoid the worst record in franchise history, not the worst record in baseball history.
After a 3-1 loss Saturday night to the Mets, the Rockies sit at 66-95.
When the team opened the season 15-35, Colorado featured a malodorous bullpen. The relievers, in April alone, were 1-9 with nearly a 10.00 ERA. Since Brian Fuentes took over as closer in mid-May, the relievers have excelled, going 17-6.
“Every good team has a good bullpen,” Fuentes said.
On Saturday, Randy Williams and David Cortes provided a snapshot of how in-sync relievers work. Williams, with the crowd roaring in the sixth inning, struck out pinch-hitter Mike Piazza. Cortes jogged in seconds later and fanned Mets catcher Ramon Castro.
“Early on, I was pressing,” Williams said. “I don’t know what they are thinking about my future, but it was important that I prove to myself I can pitch up here.”
The bullpen’s success will shape the Rockies’ offseason shopping plans. Their priority is pitching. Their fallback plan is, um, more pitching. Manager Clint Hurdle said the team wants to add two starters and a pair of late-inning relievers.
Aaron Cook and Jason Jennings will occupy the rotation’s top spots next season, with Jeff Francis “fitting somewhere behind them,” Hurdle said.
The last comment was telling, hinting the Rockies will make a run at a third starter type, not satisfied with just taking a chance on a project working on a minor-league deal. The Rockies won’t get involved with A.J. Burnett or Matt Morris, but there are others to consider, including Shawn Estes and Pedro Astacio.
A glance at free-agent relievers reveals nearly 60 names. Those already on the Rockies’ radar include Scott Eyre, Guillermo Mota, Julian Tavarez and Jay Witasick.
Ironically, Coors Light Field could be a selling point, based on the ballpark’s incredibly shrinking numbers. Runs have fallen 20 percent and home runs 35 percent this season when compared to the pre-humidor averages compiled from 1995 to 2001.
“The ballpark has played down,” Hurdle said. “You are not seeing 13-12 games anymore. First we will be looking (for free-agent pitchers) in the division who know about our field.”
The taming of Coors has made Colorado a better road team, though it hasn’t shown against the Mets. The Rockies have scored three runs in three losses. The offensive shortcomings spoiled a decent outing by Saturday starter Mike Esposito, who was punished dearly for a mistake on David Wright’s two-run home run in the fourth inning.
“Every game I learn from,” Esposito said, “is a positive step.”
Making their pitch
Armed with a little money to spend on free agents, the Rockies want to add two starters and two late-inning relievers. Their initial search will focus on pitchers with experience in the National League West who are comfortable pitching at Coors Field. A look at those available who fit that description:
Relievers
RHP Elmer Dessens, Dodgers
LHP Alan Embree, Yankees
LHP Scott Eyre, Giants
LHP Chris Hammond, Padres
RHP Guillermo Mota, Marlins
RHP Rudy Seanez, Padres
RHP Julian Tavarez, Cardinals
RHP Jay Witasick, Athletics
Starters
RHP Pedro Astacio, Padres
LHP Shawn Estes, Diamondbacks
LHP Kirk Reuter, Giants
RHP John Thomson, Braves
Troy E. Renck can be reached at 303-820-5447 or trenck@denverpost.com.
