When the Rockies received Huston Street in a trade from Oakland they felt they were getting a relief pitcher with more closing experience than anyone on their roster. That much is true. Street entered the season with 94 career saves versus 24 for Manny Corpas, who was Street's competition for the closer role in Spring Training. It's looking, however, that experience isn't enough.Street, last night against Chicago, allowed a Derrek Lee home run, a Mike Fontenot walk and gave up a single to Reed Johnson in the ninth before Clint Hurdle yanked him, and more importantly, before Street recorded an out.
This wasn't Street's first poor outing as three days earlier he gave up two hits, including a Matt Stairs home run, and two earned runs in one inning against Philadelphia.
On the season Street has a 13.50 ERA with an 0-1 record and only one save. Fortunately for Street, Corpas has been equally (well almost) ineffective. Corpas has an ERA of 4.50 with a blown save himself.
You have to be asking yourself how long Street can hold down this job. I wish I knew the answer myself. The Rockies have been reluctant in the past to give Corpas a whole lot time to show that he can do the job for any extended period of time. And as long as Corpas isn't pitching "lights out", he's not going to force the hand of the Rockies to make a switch.
Another determining factor in keeping Street in the closers job might be more of an off-field reason. Street's name pops up quite frequently in trade rumors. I've heard many people say that as soon as Colorado feels they are struggling, Street will be shipped to the highest bidder. By keeping Street in the closer's role, the Rockies keep his value higher than if he were the set-up guy. So, it may be a while before Corpas can get this job from Street.
As long as both pitchers are struggling, neither is a terrific option for saves on your fantasy team. It's looking as if the save opportunities will be split between the two of them (with Street getting far more save opportunities than Corpas) for the time being. Since neither can do much to earn the save once they get in there, it may be best to think of this pair, while they are struggling, as low-end options.
Corpas is only owned in 13% of Yahoo leagues right now and it would be tough to sign him, even in leagues that use holds, as a speculative closer of the future.
