It’s been a long time since the Colorado Rockies were playing meaningful games in August, but with the way the bullpen has been pitching, it may not last much longer.
The Rockies entered the season believing that they had a bullpen that could finally develop into a positive this year.
Guys like Jake McGee, Chad Qualls, Jason Motte and Miguel Castro were supposed to be “the guys,” but to this point, they haven’t been able to get the job done, opening the door for Scott Oberg, Carlos Estevez, Adam Ottavino and Boone Logan to take the reins.
While all four of those guys were locked in at one point or another this season, they’ve all struggled in recent weeks, contributing to the Rockies harsh and disappointing slide from contention.
The team’s failure to solidify a go-to guy late in games has come back to bite them in the butt, but it’s also helping them build towards the future.
Listen, everybody knew it was a pipe dream that the Rockies would make the postseason in 2016, and while there’s still a chance, the Rox should use the bullpen meltdown to help address the future needs of the club.
They can’t keep putting a Bandaid on the problem.
The Rockies’ know they have a top-tier offense and a starting pitching staff that is trending upwards; it’s the bullpen that will be the team’s Achilles’ heal moving forward.
While the team and all their fans would love to make the big dance this year, it’s always been a long shot, and if the bullpen’s meltdown can be the motivation the front office needs to finally make a change, maybe it’s worth it.