Preview #62: 6/8 @ Rockies

The Colorado Rockies spent $106 million on signing a trio of bullpen arms to three-year contracts this winter. Wade Davis got $52 million, while Jake McGee and former Diamondback Bryan Shaw each received $27 million. So far, it hasn’t proved to be a wise investment. Davis has an okay 3.40 ERA, but has already blown three saves, including yesterday’s 7-5 loss in Cincinnatti. Outside of him and the currently injured Adam Ottavino, it has been a rough drag for the Colorado bullpen. McGee has a 4.76 ERA, Shaw is at an even uglier 6.89, and collectively, Rockies’ relievers have been worth just 0.6 fWAR. which ranks them 24th in the majors, and is less than half that of the D-backs’ bullpen (1.4).

So, an early deficit - providing it is kept manageable - is no reason for concern. That caveat is probably necessary, because Zack Greinke is not a great fan of Coors Field. His 4.14 ERA is the highest of any park in the division, and his road woes this season have also been well-documented. He has a 6.14 ERA away from Chase, despite an excellent 35:5 K:BB ratio on the road. Probably key, Zack has allowed eight home-runs in 29.1 innings of work. That tally not reaching double-digits this evening in Coors Field would be helpful in keeping the D-backs in this one!

There’s a new leadoff hitter in town, and his name is John Jay. He’ll make his debut for Arizona this evening, going straight into the top of the line-up. This makes sense, considering his on-base percentage this year of .363 is ahead of any D-back with 100+ PA (it fractionally trails Jake Lamb’s .366). It’s largely in line with Jay’s career OBP of .356, so I’m keen to find out what he brings to (setting) the table. I’m just kinda relieved that we should no longer behaving to hear “Daniel Descalso, lead-off hitter”. And, perhaps, “Chris Owings, outfielder.” Though a little surprised we’re seeing Jay in right: I’d have shifted David Peralta back there and put Jay in left. But that’s just me...