In the News
11/25/06.. addition.. Top Prospect Alert.com
Signed by the Colorado Rockies as a 16 year old out of Panama in 1999, Manny Corpas began a what would be a long journey to the major leagues. Since debuting in the states in 2002, Corpas had been an average middle relief pitcher, with a carrer ERA well over 4.00, and had not cracked Double-A as the end of 2005. This past season however, Corpas became the closer for Double-A Tulsa, and put up one of the best seasons for a closer in all of minor league baseball. In 45.1 innings combined between Tulsa, and a brief stint at Triple-A Colorado Springs, Corpas went 2-1 with 19 saves, a 0.99 ERA and 42 strikeouts in 45.1 innings of work. Opposing batters hit just .175 against Corpas in the minors. The 23 year old was rewarded for his efforts with a midseason call-up to Colorado. In 35 major league appearances, Corpas went 1-2 with a 3.62 ERA and 27 strikeouts in 32.1 innings. Look for Corpas to begin spring training with a great chance to stay on the major league roster. He also could have a chance to pick up a save or two during the season should Brian Fuentes go down with an injury.
8/9/06.. addition.. MLB.com
Corpas has stayed simple, relying mainly on his fastball. Many young relievers get into trouble by going away from the fastball at the first sign of trouble, but Corpas has shown no signs of that. Corpas has a nice slider and is learning when and how to use it, but not at the expense of the fastball.
"He's not one of those guys that's going to deviate from the catcher," Rockies bullpen coach Rick Matthews said. "More importantly, he trusts his stuff. He knows why he's here."
6/27/06.. addition MLB.com
Corpas, 23, was tied for the Texas League lead in saves with 19. He had a microscopic 0.98 ERA and had fanned 35 against four walks in 36 2/3 innings.
Before establishing himself as a relief prospect last season at Class-A Asheville (2-2, 3.05 in 43 appearances) and going 2-2 with a 2.42 ERA against Major League-type players for Caracas in the Venezuelan Winter League, Corpas had put up middle-of-the road numbers the previous four seasons, two in the Dominican Summer League.
The Rockies had to place Corpas on their 40-man roster this winter to avoid possibly losing him in the Rule 5 draft. Assistant GM Bill Geivett said Corpas passed an important test by performing well in a full-time closer's role for the first time. He had nine Minor League saves before this season.
"We want to prepare them with innings and heat -- the heat of competition, the intensity of the outings," Geivett said. "The role of closer is big from a development standpoint. The role of closer is a whole different thing for me, and it gets you prepared for the intensity of the big leagues, where the innings are big no matter when you're pitching."
Corpas will join the Colorado Springs bullpen as a setup man for the experienced Nate Field. The big development assignment will be for Corpas to sharpen his slider and changeup, which can play off of a 93-96 mph sinking fastball.
