Colorado closer Huston Street does not generally rear back and throw as hard as he can to get saves.
He relies on a little power, but mostly tries to use his head on the mound.
The style has worked for a Street, who has 94 career saves, fifth most in major league history for a player under the age of 26.
Street, fighting with Manny Corpas for the Rockies’ closing job, did his part with the fastball Thursday, despite an 8-6 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers in front of 6,261 fans at Hi Corbett Field.
He tossed a scoreless ninth inning.
The young hurler, who had 37 saves and a 4-4 record in a breakthrough 2006 season, has a collection of pitches, but he won’t reach triple digits on the radar gun.
“You can throw eight sliders in a row; if the guy doesn’t show you a swing that looks like he can hit a slider, you are doing him a favor by throwing him a fastball,” Street said. “If my slider is working, you will see me throw more sliders. If I am throwing 94, then you will see more fastballs. I have never been a power guy.”
Street, picked up in a trade involving Matt Holliday this offseason, posted five excellent outings in his past six to make the Rockies’ decision between him and Corpas more difficult.
Street still has a 6.48 ERA this spring, while Corpas’ is 1.29.
“(Street) has been on a nice little roll,” said Colorado manager Clint Hurdle. “He had some pretty good put-away pitches. We have seen a marked improvement.”