TUCSON — It was a simple quiz, testing knowledge of baseball, finances and pop culture. There were 10 questions submitted by the reporter, and Huston Street was determined to get every question right. When he couldn’t name the U.S. presidents in order from 1960, he cringed.
No matter, he aced his biggest test of the spring, according to manager Clint Hurdle.
Street secured the Rockies’ closer job because of his experience (94 career saves) and spring finish (one run in his last nine outings), despite a near-perfect March by Manuel Corpas.
It was the most heated battle in Rockies camp this spring, and the most important. Street’s success, after all, depends in part on Corpas getting him the ball with a lead in the ninth inning.
“I just think for us to be the strongest team we can be right now coming out of the chute, it’s Manny in the eighth and Huston the ninth,” manager Clint Hurdle said Thursday. “It doesn’t matter if Street’s closing if we don’t get through the eighth. It goes back to being unselfish.”
Corpas’ performance could largely shape the relief corps’ success, at least initially. Taylor Buchholz, arguably the best setup man in the National League last season, is out until at least mid-May with a sore elbow.
Corpas was disappointed by the decision. Told it was an open competition, the right-hander posted a 0.90 ERA compared to Street’s 5.23 mark. Corpas allowed just one run all spring and pitched a perfect eighth inning Thursday.
Hurdle called Corpas’ last two outings his best of the spring.
“I did my best. I was a lot better than last spring,” said Corpas, who lost 20 pounds after working out in Denver last winter at the club’s suggestion. “I don’t know why. It was their choice.”
His fastball velocity has dipped by 2 mph, but he believes that can be traced to a mechanical glitch, not an injury.
“I am OK. The arm is fine. I am here with this team, and I have to do what they ask,” Corpas said. “I can’t say, ‘I am not going to close so I am not going to do my job.’ I can’t do that. This stuff happens in baseball.”
Hurdle’s reference to and emphasis on a strong start is rooted in disappointments last season. The bullpen was awful early in the season, converting just 61 percent of save opportunities before the all-star break. The group blew only seven chances after the break when free-agent defector Brian Fuentes strung together 17 consecutive saves.
This Rockies’ reconfigured bullpen features versatility — everyone but Juan Morillo can work multiple innings — and smarts. Alan Embree, Jason Grilli and Ryan Speier will share sixth- and seventh-inning duties, with Glendon Rusch slotting as the long man and Morillo a bit of a wild card.
“I like the makeup and the mix. We have guys who can throw hard and soft,” Embree said. “And we have guys who can pitch, who aren’t just brain-dead throwers.”
Like Corpas, Street lost his closer’s job last season. He was with Oakland and clashed with manager Bob Geren before landing in Colorado as part of the Matt Holliday trade. He’s looking at a fresh start with a new team in order to establish himself.
“There is a lot of responsibility that goes along with it. My teammates should expect me to not only get the job done but be prepared to get the job done,” Street said. “That’s what I spent the whole offseason doing. I feel like this is just the beginning.”
Patrick Saunders contributed to this report.
Troy E. Renck: 303-954-1301 or trenck@denverpost.com
‘Pen pals
The Rockies’ bullpen performed well a year ago, compiling a 4.13 ERA. The foundation of the work was laid by Brian Fuentes (Angels) and Taylor Buchholz (elbow injury), neither of whom will start the season with Rockies. National baseball writer Troy E. Renck breaks down this season’s bullpen.
RHP Huston Street: Closer works fast, induces groundballs. Slight build requires max effort to be effective.
RHP Manuel Corpas: Will work eighth inning and must pitch well to keep role with Buchholz due back in mid-May.
LHP Alan Embree: Not a specialist. Can close in a pinch. Relies heavily on fastball.
RHP Jason Grilli: Has shown knack for stranding inherited runners.
RHP Ryan Speier: Creates deception with his sidearm delivery.
LHP Glendon Rusch: Capable of working multiple innings and spot starting.
RHP Juan Morillo: No one throws harder, but his four-seam fastball gets pounded when flat.
