Background: Exploded into stardom as a freshman closer for the University of Texas in the 2002 College World Series. He posted four saves for the national champions and won the tournament’s most outstanding player award. He helped his team reach the CWS in all three years at Texas. The A’s drafted him with the 40th pick in 2004. He arrived in the big leagues in April and took over the closer’s role for good in June.
What’s up: Street was groomed for this role, which plays right into his intensity. “In college, he was the man,” said Rockies shortstop Omar Quintanilla, who played with Street at Texas. “He was so competitive. Everyone knew that he would be a great pro.” They just didn’t expect it this soon. The minor leagues were little more than a one-hour layover for the right-hander. Rockies special assistant Marcel Lachemann compared Street loosely to Dennis Eckersley because of his terrific command and sidearm delivery. “Their bullpen would be a mess without him,” said Lachemann, who has scouted Street. “He’s really stepped up.”
Stat line: Two numbers leap off the back of his baseball card. Opponents are hitting .173 against him – .153 for right-handers – and he has allowed just two home runs in 65 2/3 innings. What this says is that he has deception, works fast and throws strikes – a desirable skill set for any reliever, let alone a rookie.
What’s next: Street will soon shed anonymity like a snake’s skin. He’s on pace to finish with 22 saves and a 1.23 ERA for a playoff team. Those numbers will be hard, if not impossible, to trump in the American League rookie-of-the-year balloting.
Renck’s take: To pitch big-league games at age 22 is unusual. To slam ninth-inning doors in a postseason race is remarkable. Street and Washington’s Chad Cordero are providing strong evidence that teams should take a long look at college closers. A year after being drafted, most players are learning how to cook dinner and iron their shirts in Single-A.
