Purple Row's 2008 Reliever of the Year

by Russ Oates on Sep 30, 2008 7:45 AM MDT in Purple Row Awards

It's time to give out Purple Row's end of the year awards for the Colorado Rockies, and we'll start with the relievers this year. There are only three choices here:

	W-L	G	GS	CG	SHO	SV	BS	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	K	ERA	WHIP
2008 - Taylor Buchholz	6-6	63	0	0	0	1	3	66.1	45	23	16	5	18	56	2.17	.95

Who expected Taylor Buchholz to be this good for us this year? After an uncertain (and barely seen) role with the Rockies in 2007, Buchholz became the key reliever for the Rockies in bridging the gap to the closer. With Fuentes likely to depart, Bucky may have a chance to show his wares for the closer role.

	W-L	G	GS	CG	SHO	SV	BS	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	K	ERA	WHIP
2008 - Brian Fuentes	1-5	67	0	0	0	30	4	62.2	47	22	19	3	22	82	2.73	1.10

Brian Fuentes entered the 2008 season as the 8th-inning guy, but after Manny Corpas's struggles, Fuentes returned to his old role. He posted career bests in ERA and WHIP and tied for his second-most number of Ks in a season.

	W-L	G	GS	CG	SHO	SV	BS	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	K	ERA	WHIP
2008 - Jason Grilli	3-2	51	0	0	0	1	0	61.1	55	22	20	1	31	59	2.93	1.40

This vote really comes down to the first two players, but Jason Grilli was pretty good for the Rockies this season. A few too many walks for my taste, but a solid season all around.

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Poll

Who is the 2008 Purple Row Reliever of the Year?

Taylor Buchholz

74 votes

Brian Fuentes

63 votes

Jason Grilli

14 votes

151 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

Fuentes

I’m voting for him simply because he played a bigger role, and bailed the team out after Corpas struggled.

A warning about Buchholz going forward: His BABIP this season was a ridiculously-low .220. That was down from .318 in 2007. For that reason I’m a bit skeptical about his ability to carry this forward (i.e., he’s good, just probably not this good.)

by Tom (RFTN) on Sep 30, 2008 7:52 AM MDT reply actions

I'm stuffing the ballot box

for Gas Can because he has the best nickname. Also because he was the only one of our relievers to inspire a tirade out of Jim Leyland this year.

Second half run?

by moomacher on Sep 30, 2008 10:20 AM MDT reply actions

That should be worth a 3 year deal at 2.5m per

No matter how underperforming or mediocre the Rox were this year, and how anyone may think Hurdle is not the right manager, at least he never quit on the team. Leyland can go sit and swivel on the broken handle of a maple bat, as far as I’m concerned.

Watching the purple row from high atop the big brown monolith on California Ave

by Mondogarage on Sep 30, 2008 1:22 PM MDT up reply actions

Buchholz

With the exception of the unfortunate and highly visible balk-off and the two-run homer a few outings earlier, Buchholz had an outstanding season, and gets my vote. Buchholz definitely has the stuff to be a closer, and a good one. He’s still a young guy too, coming off a breakout season of relief. Hopefully he won’t let it get to him and continue to excel – I’m looking forward to see what he can do in 2009.

by mcs on Oct 1, 2008 1:38 AM MDT reply actions

Fuentes

My vote went to Fuentes, but I had to think about it awhile. My reasoning: Fuentes stepped up when Corpas went down, and then had an absolutely dominanting stretch at the end of the season where he was untouchable. Best stretch by any Rockies reliever I can remember.
That said, Bucky was spectacular and was not only one of the best set-up guys in the game, but also gives us hope for next year. And let’s not completely right off Grilli either. This guy came in at a time of need (to a less than warm reception by fans) and promptly not only put up superb numbers, but also took the ball seemingly every other game for multiple innings. Wish we could keep all three for next year!

by IowaRockie on Oct 1, 2008 5:02 PM MDT reply actions