Chicago – The common thread in Brian Fuentes’ L’s is a lack of K’s.
On Monday night, the Rockies’ closer blew consecutive saves for the first time since he took over the role permanently on May 19, 2005. Anytime a team falls in the ninth, concern is amplified, suggestions mount and everybody but a life coach has a solution.
The only difference with Fuentes (0-2, 2.36 ERA) this season from years past is a dramatic decline in the number of strikeouts. His walks have decreased this season, as have his pitches per inning (16.3 to 15.4), but in the process his strikeout rate has dropped from 10.6 per nine innings to 6.8. The ability to fan an opponent is what has made Fuentes the most accomplished closer in Rockies history.
“I found when I was getting two strikes, I could get the strikeout, but it seemed like it was always a full count,” Fuentes explained Tuesday. “I am trying to make better pitches around the zone and have them put more balls in play. I know my walks and my strikeouts are down. I think that’s a fair trade-off.”
Nonetheless, the strikeout needs to remain a weapon, as evidenced by his few hiccups. In Fuentes’ four blown saves this season he has pitched three innings, surrendered 10 hits and seven runs (only three earned), and has just one K.
“If I put my mind to it, I can still go for the strikeout,” Fuentes said.
By decreasing the number of pitches, Fuentes is available to work three consecutive days if necessary. Pitching coach Bob Apodaca admitted that Fuentes’ pitch count had always been a concern.
“Now he’s coming in and throwing strikes with much more frequency,” Apodaca said. “He’s not just a high-ball pitcher anymore.”
Fuentes has converted 20-of-24 saves and remains a candidate for a third consecutive all-star appearance. That resonates more with teammates than his most recent two outings.
“When Tito comes in the game, we feel it’s over every time,” Todd Helton said. “We haven’t lost any confidence in him.”
Footnotes
There’s concern at Single-A Modesto that center-field prospect Dexter Fowler could be lost for the season because of a broken right hand that might require surgery. … Saturday’s matchup of the two best Rockies pitching prospects ever won’t be on TV in Denver when Houston’s Jason Jennings faces Jeff Francis. Fox nationally had the game, but dropped it. … Matt Holliday, a lock to make it as a reserve, moved up to sixth among outfielders in the latest all-star balloting. Brad Hawpe, with 12 home runs in his previous 34 games, also is a candidate for a reserve spot. … Nearly two feet of water sat in the Rockies’ dugout three hours before the game after a downpour. The drain eventually was fixed.
