LaTroy Hawkins Is Still Getting The Job Done At The Age Of 41

Aug 24, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Rockies relief pitcher LaTroy Hawkins (32) prepares to throw in the ninth inning against the Miami Marlins at Coors Field. The Rockies defeated the Marlins 7-4. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

During the 2013 offseason, the Colorado Rockies were in search of bullpen help after ranking third worst in the majors. LaTroy Hawkins was coming off of a one-year deal with the New York Mets as Colorado pulled the trigger, signing the then 40-year-old Hawkins on a one-year, $2.5 million deal November 19th. Hawkins also has a $250,000 buyout option for the 2015 season.

With Rockies closer Rafael Betancourt out after undergoing Tommy John surgery, the Rockies elected to go with Hawkins as they were unsure with Rex Brothers who was coming off of a spectacular 2013 season. The Rockies ended up going with the right choice — for once.

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Most Rockies fans were skeptical about the signing of a 40-year-old reliever to assume the closer’s role, but looking at his previous season with the Mets, it was appealing to me. Hawkins appeared in 72 games in 2013 for the Mets, picking up a record of 3-2 with an ERA of 2.93. According to ESPN, Hawkins collected a WAR of 0.5 while converting 12-of-15 saves.

Fast-forward nearly a year later, Hawkins has been lights out in the closer’s role. Despite the team not contending or anywhere close to contending for that matter, Hawkins has been valuable. Thus far, he has appeared in 48 games, earning a record of 2-2 with an ERA of 2.68. The most impressing thing however, is that Hawkins has converted 22-of-23 saves, picking up just one blown save.

I disagree with the Rockies holding on to the veteran as I believe he should have been traded to a contender, but Hawkins has provided the Rockies with professionalism and the ability to close out games.