Brothers stunned by Rockies' move: 'Surprised would be an understatement'
Reliever Rex Brothers has spent his entire career in the Colorado Rockies organization, so he was naturally caught off-guard when he was designated for assignment by the team last week, effectively ending his tenure with the franchise.
"I was very surprised in a lot of ways," Brothers told the Denver Post. "You come to know, learn about and love the people you're around, and I've been there so long. So, surprised would be an understatement. I thought I had put myself in a really good place to be in the Rockies' bullpen next season."
Brothers, who will turn 28 this offseason, was selected by Colorado in the first round of the 2009 amateur draft and was called up in 2011.
In five seasons in the Rockies' bullpen, the left-hander compiled a 16-11 record with a 3.42 ERA and 278 strikeouts in 242 1/3 innings over 286 appearances. He started the past season in Triple-A after a poor performance in the 2014, but pitched well upon being called up in 2015, posting a 1.74 ERA.
"I got to a spot where I was laboring a little bit physically, had a couple of bad outings and started searching for the success I had," Brothers explained. "I think I got away from the athleticism that helped my success. I got away from that aggressiveness.
"But that was not because of a pitching coach or anybody else. Looking back on it, I think I backed myself into a corner and I had to start back from square one. I think, now, I've got that competitive fire back. I think I was showing that again this past season."
Brothers was one of a handful of Rockies who were designated for assignment last week, including Wilin Rosario and fellow relievers John Axford and Tommy Kahnle. Colorado has 10 days to trade them, after which the players with three or more years of service time can elect for free agency.
General manager Jeff Bridich explained that "it was just time for a fresh start for everybody involved."
After the initial shock of the news wore off, Brothers agreed with Bridich's sentiment, and is eager to continue his career with another club.
"That's the only way you can look at it. When I was told about it [Friday], I sure didn't think it was a breath of fresh air, but now I definitely do. I think I'm in a really good place," he said. "I'm healthy and I'm always working on my craft. I'm ready for what's next. I'm not just paying lip service when I say that I think my best days in the game are ahead of me."
