 01/14/2004 12:56 PM ET
Colome delivers in Dominican
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By Paul C. Smith / MLB.com |
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| Jesus Colome is third in the league with nine saves and has given up just 11 hits in 15 innings, while striking out 11. (Chris O'Meara/AP)
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ST. PETERSBURG -- Jesus Colome came to the Devil Rays in July 2000 with a 98 mph fastball and the potential to become a dominating Major League closer.
In more than two years of time with the Rays since, Colome has shown hints of his incredible ability but not the consistency that would allow him to get a grip on the team's top reliever role. He has struck out 133 batters in 164 innings with the Rays but also walked 104 and has a composite record of 7-17 and an ERA of 5.49.
Last season, Lou Piniella and his staff gave Colome several chances to close games and he did earn two saves. But Piniella would like to see Colome mix in his changeup more effectively to stop hitters from focusing on his fastball. Colome was reluctant at first but seemed to pick up on the importance of the change before missing the final month of the season with strained muscle in his side.
The start of this season, however, will present a different scenario for Colome. The addition to the Rays' relief staff of veteran right-handers Danys Baez, Todd Jones, Mike Williams, Al Reyes and maybe Paul Abbott, if he is not a starter, means that Colome will have to compete this spring to stay in the Major League mix.
Jesus Colome
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"In the past, he has won a job by default, mainly because of his natural ability," said general manager Chuck LaMar. "He was rushed to the Major Leagues because of the way he could throw a baseball. It's not going to be that way this season."
Colome has started to respond to the challenge by pitching well in his native Dominican Republic this winter. He is 0-1 with a 2.40 ERA in 15 games for Estrellas. Colome is third in the league with nine saves and has given up just 11 hits in 15 innings, while striking out 11.
"It's nice to see that he has been pitching well in winter ball," LaMar said. "This could be an important season for him. He will come into Spring Training competing for a job."
Paul C. Smith is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
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