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With their closer heading to DL, who’s next for Rockies?

Troy E. Renck
The Denver Post

TUCSON – The classifieds sat on manager Jim Tracy’s desk Wednesday afternoon. The ads blared that jobs were open, practically mocking him. “The mice in my head have been running,” Tracy said. “I might have killed a few (thinking about this).”

Concern replaced optimism Wednesday at the Rockies’ camp. Closer Huston Street hit another detour with his right shoulder, leaving him to open the season on the disabled list and leaving Tracy to scramble as he reshapes the back of the bullpen.

Tracy said Franklin Morales, who converted seven saves last September, would get the first shot to replace Street, with Manuel Corpas also in the mix. Rafael Betancourt, who will throw a simulated game Saturday to test his right shoulder, won’t be considered because Tracy doesn’t want to create an additional disruption. Matt Belisle is a longshot if the first two options don’t work out.



“He’s been an unbelievable setup-man, and why put him in a position where if it doesn’t work out so well, and then we lose two guys? Frankie is a candidate. And where is Manny as we move forward? He’s done it and has been very special,” Tracy said. “We have options.”

Morales, 24, was terrific last September when Street was shelved with biceps tendinitis, converting all seven of his save attempts. He has added a cut-fastball this spring to his arsenal and has ironed out mechanical wrinkles in his last two outings.

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“I will be ready to do whatever they ask,” Morales said. “I have a lot more confidence now because I have done it.”

Read more: http://www.denverpost.com/ci_14696665#ixzz0iYNRnkix


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