KISZLA VS. SAUNDERS: What should Rockies do with their $27 million mistake, Bryan Shaw?
Kiszla vs. Saunders Columnist Mark Kiszla debates MLB reporter Patrick Saunders
Kiz: The frustration of the reeling Rockies has a face. It’s Bryan Shaw, the freeagent relief pitcher brought to Denver for a three-year, $27 million contract. Gulp. Every time Shaw takes the mound, Colorado is destined to lose. Or so it seems. In four of his five appearances to open June, the Rockies lost as Shaw’s earned run average rose to 13.50. How can manager Bud Black fix this problem? Saunders: Kiz, Black can’t fix this problem. He can only try to cope with it as best he can. Bullpen coach Darren Holmes and pitching coach Steve Foster can work with Shaw, but it’s up to the right-hander to turn things around. He’s a veteran with an impressive track record, and he knows his strengths and his flaws. I’ve asked Shaw if he’s hurt, and he said no. Despite his heavy workload over the last few seasons, his fastball velocity remains about the same. Clearly, it’s about pitch execution. Kiz: Nowhere are the economics of being a midmarket franchise tougher to watch than when a high-priced acquisition fails to produce. We criticize the Rockies as cheap if they don’t spend money. On the other hand, when a big investment fails to pay dividends (see: Desmond, Ian), the Colorado front office is forced to grin, bear it and trot the struggling player back out on the field. Then the fans holler about that. Saunders: Listen, I’m not going to pretend that I saw this bullpen mess coming. When general manager Bridich spent a combined $106 million for Wade Davis (three years, $52 million), Shaw (three years, $27 million) and left-hander Jake McGee (three years, $27 million), I applauded the moves. I thought building up the back of the Rox bullpen was a smart way to spend money. I thought Shaw would be a terrific addition, but if he turns out to be a failure, Bridich and Co. will have to wear it. They are the baseball “experts” in town, so they have to take the heat. Kiz: Black just cannot continue to put Shaw in high-leverage, high-tension situations, can he? I understand showing faith in Bridich’s investment, but is letting Shaw work out his issues with the game on the line really fair to the pitcher or his teammates? There seem to be two choices: Find an excuse to put Shaw on the disabled list to take a breather and hit the reset button, or use him exclusively in mop-up duty. Am I missing something? Saunders: Kiz, I agree with you. Shaw, in his current state, can’t be trusted to take the mound with the game on the line. The Rockies’ quandary, of course, is that they don’t have any solid alternatives — at least not until Adam Ottavino returns from the disabled list. Right now, Shaw is one of the worst pitchers in the majors and incapable of holding a lead. A trip to the DL with a phantom injury is certainly a possible move. Every time the Rockies loses another game because of a bullpen meltdown, it’s another punch in the gut. The club can’t afford to use Shaw simply to save face.