Closing time
As the Diamondbacks neared last year’s trade deadline, they had one of the shakiest bullpens in the majors. It was costing them — big time. They lost 11 of 14 games to start the second half of the season and were in danger of squandering their hot start. So they traded for veteran right-hander Paul Sewald, shipping infielder Josh Rojas, outfielder/first baseman Dominic Canzone (Arizona’s No. 19 prospect) and infielder Ryan Bliss (No. 29) to Seattle. Arizona had not had a shutdown closer since Fernando Rodney saved 39 games for the 2017 club that won the National League wild card, but Sewald saved 13 games for the D-backs in the final two months of the season and helped lead them into the playoffs and the World Series. The Rockies can relate. In their 31 years of existence, the Rockies have made the playoffs five times, and in each of those seasons, the bullpen was excellent. The 2007 World Series team had a bullpen ERA of 3.85. Dual closers Brian Fuentes and Manny Corpas combined for 39 saves. In 2009, Huston Street claimed 35 saves and posted a 3.06 ERA. In 2018, another playoff year, Wade Davis made 43 saves to go with a 4.13 ERA. The Rockies hope sidearm right-hander Justin Lawrence can evolve into their closer of the future, but the bullpen is currently undergoing major reconstruction. Its 5.38 ERA was the highest in the majors last season and the fifth-highest in franchise history. Colorado’s 33 blown saves were tied with Texas for the most in the majors and were the second-most in franchise history. For a team playing at altitude, that won’t cut it.