Colorado Rockies Bolster Bullpen with Motte, Qualls
By Bill Pivetz
The Colorado Rockies added depth to their bullpen by signing to veteran closers, Jason Motte and Chad Qualls. They will improve the backend struggles of 2015.
The Colorado Rockies had the worst bullpen group among all teams last season. While the offense was great, the bullpen couldn’t hold down the fort and secure the win. As a result, the team made some early improvements by signing two veteran relievers in Jason Motte and Chad Qualls to two-year deals. The Rockies quickly fixed an issue that plagued the team last season at a reasonable price.
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The Rockies lost a few key pitchers in the bullpen. Adam Ottavino started strong, three saves in the first nine games of the season, but went down with Tommy John surgery. He should be ready by the All-Star break next season. John Axford recorded 25 saves in 2015 and is now a free agent and 21-year vet LaTroy Hawkins was traded to Toronto and announced his retirement at the end of the season. As a result, the Rockies were left with Christian Friedrich atop the bullpen depth chart.
Motte spent six years with the St. Louis Cardinals from 2008 to 2014. He missed all of the 2013 season and some of the 2014 season while recovering from TJ surgery. Before the surgery, he recorded 42 saves in 2012 with a 2.75 ERA and 0.92 WHIP. He pitched for the Chicago Cubs in 2015, pitching in 48.1 innings with a 3.91 ERA, 1.22 WHIP six saves and a n 8-1 record.
Qualls bounced around a lot in his career. He played for Houston, Arizona, Tampa Bay, San Diego, Philadelphia, New York (AL), Pittsburgh, Miami and back to Houston in 2014. In his two most recent seasons in Houston, he posted a 3.84 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 23 saves. He has an 8.0 K/9 and just a 1.3 BB/9 in that span.
Of the two pitchers, I believe Motte gets the first chance at saves. Despite the recent surgery, Motte is the better pitcher. He still throws a 95 MPH fastball and can command the ball. Qualls wll be a good seventh- or eighth-inning guy.
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Neither pitcher should be drafted before the 20th round in standard leagues. If saves are hard to come by, and they aren’t, Motte could be moved up the rankings a little bit. Their value will eventually drop when Ottavino returns to the closer role, however. Motte will still have some value as a handcuff. Though, with a bullpen that loaded, the Colorado Rockies are in good shape.