Article Published: Saturday, January 08, 2005
rockies
Reshaped bullpen lacking closer
By Troy E. Renck
Denver Post Staff Writer
File
Byung-Hyun Kim, left, and Robb Nen
Mediocrity proved elusive for the Rockies last year, a season stained by
frustration only the worst statistical bullpen in major-league history could
produce. Forty-one days away from the arrival of pitchers and catchers at
spring training, the club has reshaped its relief corps, but lacks a proven
closer.
While general manager Dan O'Dowd and manager Clint Hurdle believe a closer
could evolve from a group of young powerful arms, the team continues chasing
Boston's Byung-Hyun Kim and free agent Robb Nen.
"We would like someone with experience in that role," Hurdle said Friday. "We
believe we have a chance with Kim. And with Nen, we remain very encouraged by
his progress."
The Red Sox are holding out for a top prospect in return for Kim as a
concession for absorbing $5 million of his $6 million salary. The Rockies
have been unwilling to part with a premier minor-leaguer because of Kim's
uncertain future. Kim is in the final year of his contract, and regardless of
performance, could be difficult to re-sign.
The Mets also are interested in Kim, but their attention is focused on
signing free-agent outfielder Carlos Beltran.
The Rockies have blown 70 saves over the past three seasons, including a
major-league record 34 a year ago. Kim has converted 86-of-108 saves during
his five-year career, though none last year when he suffered shoulder and
back problems as a starter.
Nen, out of baseball the past two seasons with a rotator cuff injury,
recently achieved the goal of throwing off the mound back-to-back days
without discomfort. He is determined to make a comeback and his close
relationship with Rockies special assistant Marcel Lachemann gives Colorado a
shot at signing him.
"Robby would really fit our process well. He would be great for the
development of our young pitchers," O'Dowd said. "But it depends on his
health."
Nen is not operating on a specific timetable, meaning he may not sign with a
team until February. If unsuccessful in landing Kim or Nen, Hurdle said the
Rockies could open camp with left-hander Brian Fuentes and right-hander
Chin-Hui Tsao sharing the closer's role.
Uniform adjustments
Hurdle reverting back to his old No. 13 won't be the only visible change in
the Rockies' uniforms next season. At the players' request, the Rockies will
incorporate vests for the first time, confirmed Jay Alves, vice president of
communications.
The sleeveless white home jersey with the CR insignia and a new solid black
jersey will be worn with purple and black shirts underneath.
Footnotes
The Rockies are looking to add as many as six pitchers on minor-league deals
and remain interested in signing Darren Oliver, Adam Pettyjohn and Brian
Boehringer, depending on how his scout-attended workout goes next week in St.
Louis.
Joe Kennedy's agent made a counteroffer as the two sides draw closer to a
one-year contract. The Rockies would like to have Kennedy, Jason Jennings and
Shawn Chacon, all arbitration-eligible, signed before Jan. 18.
http://www.denverpost.com/Stories/0,1413,36%257E96%257E2641573,00.html
Troy E. Renck can be reached at 303-820-5457 or trenck@denverpost.com.
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