With Street out, who closes?
Colorado Rockies closer Huston Street is nearly certain to begin this season on the disabled list while batting problems with his shoulder. In the meantime, the team has several candidates to replace him temporarily:
Rafael Betancourt: Manager Jim Tracy has already ruled him out as he’s battling his own spring injuries and might find himself on the disabled list on opening day. But if Street’s problem lingers and Betancourt returns promptly, he could return to the mix.
Franklin Morales: He has the go-to guy when Street was out last year and was mostly a success. He battled control problems near the end of his time on the job, but when he’s on and focused, he’s the most dangerous arm in the bullpen. He has struggled this spring and currently owns an 11.74 ERA.
Manny Corpas: He’s been the Rockies closer before and has twice lost the job, once in 2008 and again early last season after briefly reclaiming it from Street. He has the experience, but he also has a 7.11 ERA in six appearances this spring.
Matt Belisle: A longshot, but he closed in Colorado Springs last season and was reliable when he returned to the Rockies in September. He hasn’t been scored upon in three appearances this spring.
Taylor Buchholz: The Rockies aren’t planning for his return until later this summer, but he is scheduled to face live hitters this weekend, far ahead of schedule. Replacing Street to start the season isn’t going to happen, but if the problem is more serious, Buchholz re-enters the picture.
So whaddya think? Is anyone here the man of the hour, or should the Rockies look elsewhere?
I think everyone is expecting morales to close and for the Rockies to resign Joe Beimel and use him as a lefty reliever to replace morales. And if that scenario plays out I’d be totally behind it. I think Flores isn’t that great and morales or beimel would be better fits in our bullpen.
As of right now, Morales is no where close to being game ready. There is still a little over 2 weeks so maybe he will progress. He has recently lowered his era from 15+ to 11+.
Ken Rosenthal, of Fox, is reporting that Beimel might in fact become a member of the Mets.
I know this is probably not in their game plan,and some might not agree, but I think I would give Mr. Smith some closer time between now and Aril 5th. Corpas may remain a question. I think Morales just needs more time but will eventually be ready.
It looks like Chacin will take over Cook’s starting spot for some pre-season game(s) while he goes to the minor’s?
I completely agree with you, Elliot. Morales has the experience from last year’s stretch run and seems like the logical answer. But if he’s the guy, there has to be another lefty added to the bullpen mix. However, I think Belisle might be the second best option. He re-invented himself last year in C/S as a closer. Maybe he is the short-term answer. Corpas should feel lucky just to have a roster spot.
Matt Belisle performed well for the Sky Sox as a closer, the reports were “something just seemed to click.” He continued to do well for the Rox after his September call-up and his numbers this spring have been outstanding.
If either Morales or Corpas turn it around (start locating and bringing the “filthy” stuff that got them to the majors) in training camp, closing with either might be a better option. If the season were to start today, I would give it to Belisle.
I don’t think there’s anything to worry about with Franklin Morales’ Spring numbers, and I’d give him the job by default if Street isn’t available. I also think some of those fireballing young pitchers like Chacin and Esmil Rogers could be in the conversation for at least a bullpen spot.
I also agree about Franklin Morales about being our best replacement. I think Betancourt is best suited as a setup guy because he failed multiple times at trying to close in Cleveland, and appears to thrive in the 8th inning.
Corpas would be more ideal as closer because we really need Morales’ left arm in a setup role now that Gobble and Flores are hurting. Corpas, however, is struggling and a bit overweight, possibly making this the third straight spring that he has either failed to grab a chance at the closer’s job or lost the job (he lost it to Fuentes in 2008).
Belisle really impressed me at the end of last year–and he’s pitched well in the spring–but I think either Morales or Corpas should be given the opportunity first because Belisle has never closed in the majors, and he was just figuring out how to pitch well again at the end of last season, so maybe it’s a bit premature to throw him out there as closer.
Well, looks like the guessing is over. Coach Tracy spelled it out. It will be Morales. Interesting. I hope he makes some serious progress over the next 2 weeks. At least get the era down around 5 or 6 for April.
With Bemiel back in the fold (let’s hope he stays with the Roxs and not optioned to COS) it looks like Morales. Tracy has to be ready for Franklin’s self destructing moments when they suddenly appear. Corpas has yet to show he deserves a roster spot with only 9 days left in Spring training. The multi million dollar man needs to head south to Sky Sox Stadium and get rid of weight and the bloated ERA before he will do the Roxs any good.