Chacon experiment over

[Pancho Sanza]

09/29/2004 11:11 PM ET
Notes: Chacon experiment over
Tsao gets opportunity to close for Rockies
By Thomas Harding / MLB.com

Shawn Chacon will not be closing games for the Rockies again in 2004. (David Zalubowski/AP)


LOS ANGELES -- Colorado Rockies manager Clint Hurdle said he wanted to try young pitchers, primarily Chin-hui Tsao, as closer in this season's final days. But demoted closer Shawn Chacon extended the scope of the announcement.
"Obviously, that might be a little foreshadowing for the future, that they want to look at somebody closing," Chacon said. "Common sense tells you I won't be closing for the Rockies."

The experiment began with an out-of-the-blue request from the Rockies last December. Chacon's ninth-inning, four-walk outing that helped turn a potential shutout into a 5-4 loss to Los Angeles on Tuesday night provided the clear conclusion. Now comes issue of whether Chacon will continue in a Rockies uniform next season.

The logical way for Chacon to return is as a starter. He performed well enough in the role last season to earn an All-Star Game invitation before elbow problems curtailed his season and sparked the Rockies to change his role. But with Chacon eligible for arbitration, coming off earning a $1.85 million base salary this season, it's unclear if the Rockies are willing or able to sign him.

Light on the subject is unlikely to be available until the middle of next month, when Hurdle and general manager Dan O'Dowd will meet with ownership to discuss next season's budget. Colorado also faces arbitration with starting pitchers Jason Jennings and Joe Kennedy.

Chacon, who earlier had said he hoped to get a definitive answer on the Rockies' plans when the season ended, said he understands the issue. He is resigned to taking a vacation and waiting for the phone to ring.

Hurdle said he appreciates the effort of Chacon, 26, who at no time complained about undertaking an unknown endeavor that ended up unsuccessful mainly because he walked 52 and gave up 71 hits -- 12 homers -- in 63 1/3 innings.

"He's battled, he's taken this on, and he wanted to finish the drill, and basically he did finish the drill for all intents and purposes," Hurdle said after he, pitching coach Bob Apodaca, bench coach Jamie Quirk and bullpen coach Rick Matthews met with Chacon for a "nice, long, heart-to-heart discussion."

Chacon said he understands that his marketability is not the same as it was when he was successful as a starter. Even if he were to end up on the open market, he might not get top dollar.

Chacon said he has no choice but to accept the Rockies' decision, but if there are negotiations he hopes that his acceptance of the risky job change is a factor in his favor.

"They didn't have anybody to close," Chacon said. "I was unsuccessful at it, I understand that. But I hope they understand that I made a pretty big sacrifice. Hopefully they see that."

Looking for closure: In the corridor from the clubhouse to the dugout, Tsao had difficulty containing his excitement over getting some closing opportunities.

"It's fun," Tsao said. "I can't wait to pitch the ninth inning."

The Rockies have already said they want to use Tsao in relief next year because of health concerns. A starter who breezed through the minors last year and saw time as a member of the Rockies' rotation, Tsao struggled with shoulder problems for much of the season. He also had issues with blisters on the right index and middle fingers. With a fastball that can pop in at 97 mph, Colorado is intrigued enough to look at him in closing.

Of course, the last time the Rockies made a closer of a guy with a lively arm and health concerns didn't exactly work out (see Chacon, Shawn). But there is a slight difference.

Before this season, Chacon's experience in relief consisted of one minor-league game. Tsao didn't relieve at all until this year, but he did get some pretty good preparation. Tsao represented Taiwan in this summer's Olympics, but with the Rockies concerned about his health he had to pitch as closer. He threw in two games, earning a two-inning save and taking the loss after pitching 3 1/3 innings of an extra-inning game that he had to leave because of a blister.

Since being recalled by the Rockies on Sept. 13, Tsao has compiled a 4.26 ERA in seven appearances. He has given up two home runs in 6 1/3 innings and that remains a concern, but his velocity has been stunning and he has nine strikeouts to one walk.

On Tuesday with the Rockies holding a 3-0 lead, Tsao struck out Jayson Werth and Steve Finley before giving up an Adrian Beltre single. Colorado lefty Javier Lopez finished the inning.

"It was the best outing he's had when the game has been more or less on the line," Hurdle said. "Prior to that, it was a little skewered. When we were behind he was lights-out, and when we were closer he wasn't quite as efficient. That was quite a step forward for him."

Also, righties Scott Dohmann and Allan Simpson have closed in Triple-A, and lefty Brian Fuentes closed on a limited basis last season.

Relieving in infamy: Colorado went into Wednesday night's game with the Dodgers tied for the most relief losses in baseball history. Here are the losingest bullpens ever and their records:

Colorado 2004 18-38
Texas 2002 25-38
Philadelphia 2000 21-37
Kansas City 1999 20-36
New York Mets 1980 29-36


Now, a statistic to celebrate: Colorado entered Wednesday with a 38-36 mark against the National League West. The Rockies are guaranteed with at least a .500 division record for the first time since 1998, when they finished 24-20.

Thomas Harding is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs

LINK

[JoeyrollNy]

Shawn Chacon will not be closing games for the Rockies again in 2004. (David Zalubowski/AP


Wow they have all of 3 games left.