Manny Corpas settling into closer's role and the spotlight for Colorado Rockies

International Herald Tribune - TUCSON, Ariz.: Manny Corpas considers himself a quiet person who'd rather blend in than stand out. That's been difficult for him to do after his breakout season as the Colorado Rockies' closer. Corpas couldn't even venture out over the offseason without being mobbed by fans seeking autographs. He has become as popular around his hometown of Panama City, Panama, as Mariano Rivera. Not that he's ready to lump himself into the same category as the dominant Yankees closer, who's had at least 28 saves in each of the last 11 seasons. "Mariano is Mariano," Corpas said through interpreter Joe Diaz, the team's assistant director of clubhouse operations. "I'm me. I don't like to compare myself." (more)

Corpas had a Rivera-like season in 2007 after inheriting the job from three-time All-Star Brian Fuentes on July 7. Corpas converted his first 16 save opportunities and had a stretch in September where he retired 21 straight batters, one shy of the club record. The 25-year-old also had the lowest season-single ERA (2.08) ever by a Rockies reliever.

Even with just a half season under his belt as a closer, the Rockies saw enough to lock up Corpas, signing him to a four-year, $8.03 million deal that could turn out to be worth up to $22.78 million, including escalators and team options for 2012 and 2013.

But with a higher income comes loftier demands.

Corpas has allowed two earned runs in six innings of work this spring. He was roughed up against the Chicago Cubs on Thursday, allowing two runs on four hits in an inning. Not that he's fretting over one faulty frame. He followed it up with a perfect inning the next day against the Cubs.

"He said he doesn't worry about bad outings," said Diaz as he translated for Corpas, who spoke mostly in Spanish. "If he's on, he's on. If he's not, he's not. He knows to do his best. He puts it behind him. He feels no pressure."

However, the Rockies wouldn't mind seeing him quickly return into the out-producing machine he was midway through last season, especially with the start of the year rapidly approaching.

"We told him we want to see the express lane here the next week ... dial up the velocity," Rockies manager Clint Hurdle said.

Hurdle wants Corpas to start working both sides of the plate more, without fear of what might happen.

"He has enough thump to get inside on people," Hurdle said. "He needs to keep that pitch in play — to become not one-sided with his approach."

Corpas, who was signed by the Rockies as a 16-year-old in 1999, realizes he has a unique opportunity, inheriting a coveted bullpen job so young. He was thrust into the position after Fuentes faltered in a string of games, and flourished when given the opportunity.

Corpas went through a stretch last season of facing 55 straight batters without issuing a walk. He allowed just 7 of 18 inherited runners to score as opponents hit .224 off him.

Corpas also wasn't intimidated by Coors Field. He has a 1.96 ERA in 41 games at home.

"I'm very happy," he said. "I thank the Rockies for the opportunity. I want to come in and do my job."

The Rockies bullpen did its job all season long, finishing with a 3.85 ERA, the second-lowest in team history.

"We've got a great bullpen," starter Aaron Cook said. "What they did last year was unbelievable. Any time you come out after six innings and give the ball to our bullpen like that, you feel really comfortable."

Corpas, a righty with wicked movement on his pitches, was the anchor. His success spilled over into the postseason, too, as he went 1-0 with a 0.87 ERA in nine appearances during the Rockies' run to the NL pennant.

"But last year is last year and has no bearing on this year," said Corpas, whose arm felt even more refreshed coming into the spring after not pitching in winter ball. "Last year was a good experience. I'm fortunate to get this opportunity."

However, returning home over the winter was an eye-opening experience for him. He couldn't go out without fans constantly stopping him for chats.

"I'm kind of mellow," he said. "I'm quiet. I don't like all the attention."

Too late. His days of simply blending in might be long gone.