TUCSON, Ariz.—Huston Street never really had a chance to feel glum about losing two games in the postseason.
His teammates wouldn’t permit it.
The Colorado Rockies closer had been so spectacular last year—saving 35 of 37 games—only to collapse in the NL division series against Philadelphia.
Like that, the season was over.
And Street held himself responsible.
Shortly after, the pick-me-ups began to arrive. A text from Todd Helton, another vote of confidence by Troy Tulowitzki. Then, general manager Dan O’Dowd sent an endearing letter.
That meant the world to Street. Ever since, he hasn’t given his stumble in the playoffs a moment’s thought.
“You have to put it behind,” said Street, who arrived in Colorado as part of the Matt Holliday trade in November 2008. “If you continue to feel sorry for yourself, it’s wasted energy. It’s counterproductive.”
The Rockies also showed their faith in Street by signing him to a three-year, $22.5 million deal in January. That communicated volumes to him as well.
The reliever has worked diligently in the offseason, even starting his throwing program a little early so he would come into camp in top form.
However, he’s been hampered by inflammation in his pitching shoulder. Nothing to be alarmed about, just enough for the Rockies to take it easy with him in camp. He has yet to pitch in a spring contest, only in simulated games on the back fields. His debut could come later this week.
Street is eager to begin another campaign, especially after an adjustment he made last season that led to his success.
He was pitching from the left side of the mound, something he had always done. But teams were hitting him. So much, in fact, that he temporarily lost his closer’s role to Manuel Corpas.
Rockies pitching coach Bob Apodaca suggested that Street switch over to the right side of the pitching rubber. Being that he was mired in a slump, and with a new team, Street didn’t feel like he had the clout to veto the advice.
So he tried it.
Instant results. His pitches had more movement, more life.
“I was talking to my catchers, ‘Hey, how does my stuff look, how is it different?'” the 26-year-old Street said. “They were gung-ho. This has put me in a situation where the same stuff functioned better because of the angles they created.”
Street was automatic during one stretch last season, saving 26 straight games. That was the longest streak by an NL closer in 2009, not to mention a franchise record.
Soon after the streak was snapped, though, he experienced soreness in his biceps tendon, causing him to miss the final month.
But that played no role in his postseason meltdown, Street insisted. His arm wasn’t bothering him, wasn’t fatigued.
In Game 3 against the Phillies, Street allowed Ryan Howard’s sacrifice fly in the top of the ninth that scored Jimmy Rollins with the tiebreaking run.
The next night, he squandered a two-run lead in the final inning, bringing the Rockies’ season to a close. He accepted all the responsibility in the clubhouse after the game.
For a few days, the dejection spilled over into the offseason.
“You’re going to have to deal with your own demons,” said Street. “You have to deal with it.”
The support from teammates definitely helped. He was deluged by well-wishers.
“When someone lets you know they care, it cushions the blow a little bit,” he said. I can’t think of someone who didn’t say something encouraging. That’s why you don’t come into camp even thinking about it.”
