Nolan Arenado’s future in purple pinstripes aside, manager Bud Black knows one of the biggest issues the Rockies must decide during spring training is who will be taking the ball in the ninth inning.
“When the season starts, I know everybody’s first question is, ‘Who’s the closer?'” Black said at the team’s annual fan fest last weekend. “I guess we can start those questions now if you want.”
Will it be Wade Davis, who led the National League with 43 saves in 2018 — a Rockies record — before imploding in 2019 and losing his job as the closer? Or will it be Scott Oberg, Colorado’s most consistent bullpen arm last year who replaced Davis in the second half as the closer and was rewarded with a three-year, $13 million contract extension in the offseason?
Black remained noncommittal about a decision, indicating he’d like to see Davis return to elite form as a closer but that the right-hander’s performance in spring training will ultimately determine where he fits in the bullpen.
“We’ll talk about it as a staff, but I want (Davis closing) to happen,” Black said. “(Pitching coach Steve) Foster has said, of any guy who is going to bounce back, it’s going to be Wade. I love the confidence Steve has in Wade, and I have that confidence, too.”
After signing a three-year, $52 million free-agent deal, Davis’ strong opening season in LoDo was followed by a 1-6 record and 8.65 ERA last season. That included a 11.10 ERA in 29 games at home, and a 13.50 ERA after the all-star break.
“Wade was extremely upset about how he threw the ball in the second half, and I think he’s really committed to turning that around,” Black said. “His track record is pretty strong, but we’ll see how it plays out.”
Oberg, meanwhile, led the Colorado bullpen with 2.4 WAR and a 2.25 ERA in 49 games. He also had five saves before blood clots ended his season in mid-August and is expected to be fully healthy for the start of spring training.
Beyond those two arms, watch out for a couple of other right-handers: Jairo Diaz and Carlos Estevez. If both are solid in spring training and early on in the season, they could very well find themselves in contention for opportunities to close as well.
— , The Denver Post
Like what you’re reading? Share this with a friend and tell them it’s easy to .
NEW💥If you enjoy The Denver Post’s sports coverage, we have a new subscription offer for you!
Must-Read
Rockies Mailbag: Nolan Arenado controversy, starting rotation preview, frustrated fans and more
Fans are not happy. To corrupt a phrase from Seinfield’s George Costanza: “The fans were angry that day, my friends — like an old man trying to send back soup in a deli.” Read more…
Bud Black, Rockies players not worried about Nolan Arenado’s rift with GM Jeff Bridich
The “big something” of the Rockies’ offseason has been the discord between star third baseman Nolan Arenado and general manager Jeff Bridich. But according to manager Bud Black, as well as some of the team’s key players, itap much ado about nothing. Read more…
Saunders: Coors Field was not Larry Walker’s PED
As Walker told a Montreal radio station in 2018: “No needles went in my (butt). I played the game clean, but I played in the ballpark and itap almost like Coors Field is my PED.” Read more…
Quick Hits
+ “Cautious optimism” peeks through at Rockies Fest, but fans know pitching is still the big question mark
+ Rockies are in prove-it mode heading into 2020 as the team believes it can return to contention
+ If Rockies trade Nolan Arenado, here are the most-likely places he lands, oddsmaker says
+ Rockies’ Trevor Story agrees to two-year, $27.5 million contract
+ Mike Rice to replace Jerry Schemmel on KOA radio’s Rockies broadcasts
+ Orioles claim former Rockies infielder Pat Valaika off waivers from Arizona
+ Rockies announce minor league coaching staffs for 2020 season, with three new managers at the helm
+Want to chat about the Rockies?
By The Numbers
Ep. 127
Rockies podcast: Fans pessimistic about team’s 2020 chances after last season’s disaster and quiet offseason in free agency
In this episode of the On The Rox podcast, Denver Post sportswriters Kyle Newman and Patrick Saunders assess the bleak state of Rockies fandom. With spring training right around the corner, Colorado fans are largely pessimistic about the team’s 2020 chances amid an offseason filled with turmoil and free agency inactivity. Listen here…
Parting Shot
With “growing belief” DH is coming to National League, here’s how it could affect the Rockies
The D.H. has long been up for debate among baseball fans since it was introduced in the American League in 1973. Read more…
Get in Touch
If you see something thatap cause for question or have a comment, thought or suggestion, email me at jbailey@denverpost.comortweet me .
