Throughout July, we're presenting 30 deals in 30 days: the best trade-deadline deal ever made by each team. We wrap up with the NL West.
THE TEAM: Colorado Rockies
THE YEAR: 2009
THE SITUATION: The Rockies rarely do much at the trade deadline -- in part because they haven't been in contention all that often in their history, in part because the organization hasn't been willing to take on salary.
On July 23, 2009, the Rockies were nine games behind the Dodgers in the NL West but leading the wild-card race by 1.5 games over the Giants. Outside of closer Huston Street, however, the bullpen was shaky.
THE TRADE: The Rockies acquired Rafael Betancourt from the Indians for minor league pitcher Connor Graham.
THE AFTERMATH: Betancourt gave the Rockies a reliable setup guy in front of Street and he went 3-1 with 1.78 ERA in 25.1 innings down the stretch as the Rockies held on to win the wild card. They'd lose in four games to the Phillies in the Division Series as Street lost two games, including blowing a 4-2 lead in the ninth inning of Game 4.
Betancourt re-signed with the Rockies after the season and has a career 2.97 ERA with Colorado. His 7.4 WAR since 2009 ranks tied for 10th among relief pitchers.
Graham never reached the majors.
