The Colorado Rockies completed their major offseason transactions by completing another trade with the Houston Astros, acquiring RHP Matt Lindstrom.
Lindstrom appears to be the "final bullpen piece" that multiple sources have claimed the Rockies have been pursuing. Since talks for Seattle RHP David Aardsma died down to the Mariners’ high asking price, Colorado pursued other alternatives.
Lindstrom will be 31 at the beginning of the 2011 season, and is likely to join Matt Belisle and Rafael Betancourt as setup men for closer Huston Street. Last season, Lindstrom threw 58.1 innings last season with a 4.39 ERA. He also was credited with 23 saves in 2010 for Houston.
Lindstrom was a member of the Florida Marlins before Houston traded for him prior to the 2009 season. According to Fangraphs, Lindstrom’s fastball ranges from 94-96 mph, with a 84 mph slider as a secondary pitch.
He profiles as a different type of player from Belisle and Betancourt, a late inning pitcher who can throw 95+ mph, though not quite the same command. If Lindstrom does have weaknesses, it would be his tendency to walk batters.
Colorado gave up two minor league pitchers in LHP Wes Musick, who pitched in Single-A Asheville last season, and RHP Jonnathan Aristil, a converted infielder. Neither was considered a Top 30 prospect in the Colorado system.
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