Rockies, reliever Mike Dunn agree on $19M, 3-year deal

By PAT GRAHAM
Associated Press

DENVER (AP) -- The Colorado Rockies shored up their shaky bullpen by agreeing to a $19 million, three-year contract with reliever Mike Dunn on Thursday.

Colorado desperately needed bullpen help after blowing 28 saves last season. The 31-year-old left-hander went 6-1 with a 3.40 ERA in 51 appearances for the Miami Marlins last season. He also had eight holds and four blown saves.

Dunn was to be introduced at a news conference at Coors Field. On his Twitter account, he thanked the Marlins organization and their fans for the last six years and added: "We are ready to start the next chapter in our lives. Denver here we come."

Dunn was picked by the New York Yankees in the 33rd round of the 2004 amateur draft. He is 28-25 over his career with the Yankees, Atlanta Braves and the Marlins.

Dunn becomes the second splashy free agent signing by the Rockies this offseason following a $70 million, five-year deal with All-Star outfielder Ian Desmond, who is switching to first base.

Colorado general manager Jeff Bridich hinted at the Desmond news conference this week that he may not be done retooling the team for first-year Colorado manager Bud Black. The Rockies went 75-87 last season, their best record since 2010, and are trying to close the gap on the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West.

"We are still focused on if we can add impact pitching to where we are here," Bridich said. "There are still a lot of players out there."