Today’s focus was on lefty relievers.
Today’s notes are short since only Bud Black spoke with media. (Perhaps everyone else got their work in and headed out to enjoy Valentine’s Day.)
At any rate, here’s what’s on the mind of the Colorado Rockies manager:
During the offseason, Lucas Gilbreath had surgery to relieve some pressure from his neck-shoulder area and is fully recovered from the procedure.
“Obviously, it takes a lot off your mind,” Black said. “When you battle some injuries, starting with the Tommy John, and you think you’re back, and you’re not quite feeling like you should, and then this is discovered, and then that is taken care of, it’s a huge weight off your shoulders.”
Black added, “I’m happy for him,” noting that Gilbreath moved had “big momentum” and moved through the minors very quickly to the majors.
“But now he’s healthy. He feels good,” Black said, “and is really able to focus just truly on pitching.”
They hope to see Gilbreath return to the form he had when the Rockies first called him up.
Luis Peralta came up as well.
“Peralta was a good pickup,” Black said. “He proved that his stuff plays in the Big Leagues.” Though it’s early in Peralta’s career, Black commended the young lefty’s poise and confidence.
“You look at the stuff, and it’s a real good fastball, a pretty good slider, and a developing changeup.”
Of Evan Justice, Black noted his unique delivery and quick movement through the Rockies system.
“His stuff is what carried him — the fastball velocity, the ability to spin the ball, his deceptive delivery were all part of his success,” Black said. “Now he’s just got to rein it in — it’s been a little erratic,” due in part to injuries.
Carson Palmquist was pointed to as a potential starter/reliever as well.
“We feel like with got some youth with some stuff and some uniqueness to all of them which is what you want,” Black said.
“The last couple of years, we haven’t really had the bona fide lefty reliever,” but Black thinks the Rockies are getting there.
“Ideally, a couple of lefties works in the bullpen, maybe three,” Black said. “But most importantly, you’ve got to be a good pitcher.”
And with that, Happy Valentine’s Day from the Rockies and us at Purple Row.
(We would buy everyone flowers, but we have no budget.)
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Check back tomorrow for more notes from Salt River Fields.
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