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Purple Row's 2008 Reliever of the Year

By Russ Oates

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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