Rockies are in freefall and the bullpen numbers are alarming | The Athletic ($)
There’s no other way to describe it- the Colorado Rockies are currently in a state of freefall. Over the past 18 days (entering Monday’s action), the Rockies’ bullpen has allowed a whopping 60 runs, collecting an MLB-worst ERA of 8.78. In that same span, New York Yankees relievers have allowed only four earned runs. Multiple implosions from Bryan Shaw have become something of a trend for the ‘pen in 2018, and a catastrophic blown save from Wade Davis was the story in Sunday’s contest against the Texas Rangers. Where can bullpen help come from? Antonio Senzatela, Carlos Estevez, and Zac Rosscup are the most palatable options in the minor leagues, but both need to return from the 60-Day Disabled List first.
(Note: Statistics from Monday’s game are not included. So, uh, things have gotten even worse.)
The Washington Nationals pulled off a trade for Kansas City Royals closer Kelvin Herrera on Monday evening. Could the Rockies turn to the trade market for relief help? Sure, but as Nick Groke of The Athletic writes, “that’s for contenders.”
Journal: Colorado Rockies’ best-laid bullpen plan is a disaster right now | The Denver Post ($)
Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post also tackles the mystery of the disastrous bullpen. Some fans may have been skeptical about signing Davis to a three-year, $52 million contract, and about signing Shaw and Jake McGee to their respective three-year, $27 million deals as well, but few, if any, thought things would wind up quite this bad.
BSN Rockies Podcast: Something needs to change | BSN Denver
In the latest episode of the BSN Rockies podcast, Drew Creasman suggests that changes need to be made. As mentioned earlier, fixing the bullpen is no easy task, and the Rockies have work to do to improve their record before it’s too late for roster changes to make a difference.
Colorado Rockies: Charlie Blackmon’s weird season so far | Rox Pile
Charlie Blackmon is hitting .278/.353/.478, which is quite solid. It may be a big step back from a 141 wRC+ 2017 season, but it’s still the mark of a positive contributor. Blackmon started the season with an exceptional power stroke, clubbing nine home runs in the month of April. That power has waned as the calendar has turned to June, and Blackmon only has one home run in his past 26 games. As Luke Mullins of Rox Pile writes, “it’s not that Blackmon has had a bad first half, just a really weird first half.”
Pair of 3-way thrillers highlight NL ASG voting | MLB.com
In the latest All-Star Game voting update, Nolan Arenado is pulling away with the lead for the starting third baseman for the National League. Arenado has been the best third baseman in the league statistically (leading in fWAR, wOBA, batting average, on-base percentage, and runs scored), and the fans agree. Blackmon remains in fourth place in the outfield vote, while Trevor Story is also fourth in voting at shortstop. Story has been on fire as of late, and now leads NL shortstops in wOBA, WPA, OPS, slugging percentage, home runs, and runs batted in.