MESA, Ariz. -- One way for the Rockies to contend this year is to repeat their early-season success in close games, which means they'll need closer Wade Davis to be healthy and effective. The recent track record for both Davis and manager Bud Black, whose job entails maximizing his closer but not overusing him, is solid.
Davis joined the Cubs in a December 2016 trade with the Royals. Although he had helped Kansas City to two straight World Series appearances, he also had two stints on the disabled list in 2016 due to right flexor tendon (forearm) injuries, and some were concerned those would lead to elbow problems.