Feeling bullish
If the Rockies are going to contend for a playoff spot, their bullpen must improve dramatically from 2016 when it posted a 5.13 ERA and blew 28 saves. A look at five keys: • Rockies relievers had a 2.30 strikeout-to-walk ratio last season, 11th in the National League. That must improve. • Newcomer Greg Holland, coming back from Tommy John surgery, must return to the form that made him an all-star closer with Kansas City in 201314. • Left-hander Jake McGee, his knee now healthy, must regain the 96 mph fastball that made him effective with Tampa Bay two years ago. • Flame-thrower Carlos Estevez, who has revamped his delivery, must throw a more consistent, dependable fastball. • Young pitchers such as Harrison Musgrave, Scott Oberg and James Farris must provide depth. result, it’s the process. How am I feeling out there and how am I recovering afterward? How is the ball coming out of my hand? How is my timing? That’s been pretty good over the last two or three weeks. It seems like it’s gotten better each time out.”
Spring training results are forgotten with the first pitch of the regular season. Nevertheless, Dunn has pitched brilliantly, allowing no runs, one hit and two walks while striking out 11 over his 8M innings of work.
Ottavino, struggling to find his release point, has had an inconsistent camp, illustrated by his seven walks vs. 10 strikeouts in 8 M innings.
“I’ve been terrible, I’ve been really bad,” he said. “But I’m fine now. I’m working on it, but it’s just been a different spring for me. My slider is good now, but I’m still working on my timing. I just haven’t been as locked in as I normally am.”
In regard to the bullpen as a whole, Ottavino is optimistic.
“I’m excited. On paper, it’s sick,” he said. “But this is spring training and the regular season is the regular season. We will be what we will be. And we still have a lot to prove.”