TheFightinPhils
02-25-2005, 07:13 PM
TUCSON, Ariz. - In an offseason overhaul that focused on replacing unproven youngsters with veterans, the Arizona Diamondbacks opted to leave the closer's job in the hands of Greg Aquino.
"He is our closer. And what he did last year warrants it," said Arizona manager Bob Melvin. "He's got great stuff and the organization feels like he is that guy. Just in talking to everybody else, it sounds like he's the guy for the job."
The 27-year-old native of the Dominican Republic made his debut in July, making his way to the major leagues because of a string of injuries and the ineffectiveness of players Arizona used in the role last season. http://www.azcentral.com/imgs/clear.gif
Aquino earned 10 saves in his first 10 opportunities. He finished with 16 in 19 chances, compiling a 3.06 ERA, enough to secure the spot again this spring.
"I was just excited to be there," Aquino said. "No, I had no idea I'd become the closer, not that quick."
This time last spring, Aquino was just another reliever fighting for a Diamondbacks roster spot.
Matt Mantei had the closer's job then, with hard-throwing Jose Valverde the heir apparent.
The Diamondbacks lost Mantei and Valverde for most of last season to various injuries and ailments, giving Aquino a chance to step forward.
Aquino had posted a 6.37 ERA as he adjusted to life in the bullpen at AAA Tucson.
But he was dominant upon his arrival in the majors. "Things changed real fast, no time to really think," Aquino said. "I was trying to wait for the chance, just to keep learning every day (in the minors). And then it was there."
Originally signed by Arizona as a shortstop out of high school, Aquino struggled with the bat in the minors. He had a .156 batting average in Class A.
It was his arm that kept him in the game. He shifted to the mound early in the 1999 season.
"I'd been a shortstop my whole life, and then they came to me one day and asked me to throw. ... I've worked a long time to get here now, and I'm enjoying it," Aquino said.
http://www.azcentral.com/sports/special3/articles/0225aquino-ON.html
"He is our closer. And what he did last year warrants it," said Arizona manager Bob Melvin. "He's got great stuff and the organization feels like he is that guy. Just in talking to everybody else, it sounds like he's the guy for the job."
The 27-year-old native of the Dominican Republic made his debut in July, making his way to the major leagues because of a string of injuries and the ineffectiveness of players Arizona used in the role last season. http://www.azcentral.com/imgs/clear.gif
Aquino earned 10 saves in his first 10 opportunities. He finished with 16 in 19 chances, compiling a 3.06 ERA, enough to secure the spot again this spring.
"I was just excited to be there," Aquino said. "No, I had no idea I'd become the closer, not that quick."
This time last spring, Aquino was just another reliever fighting for a Diamondbacks roster spot.
Matt Mantei had the closer's job then, with hard-throwing Jose Valverde the heir apparent.
The Diamondbacks lost Mantei and Valverde for most of last season to various injuries and ailments, giving Aquino a chance to step forward.
Aquino had posted a 6.37 ERA as he adjusted to life in the bullpen at AAA Tucson.
But he was dominant upon his arrival in the majors. "Things changed real fast, no time to really think," Aquino said. "I was trying to wait for the chance, just to keep learning every day (in the minors). And then it was there."
Originally signed by Arizona as a shortstop out of high school, Aquino struggled with the bat in the minors. He had a .156 batting average in Class A.
It was his arm that kept him in the game. He shifted to the mound early in the 1999 season.
"I'd been a shortstop my whole life, and then they came to me one day and asked me to throw. ... I've worked a long time to get here now, and I'm enjoying it," Aquino said.
http://www.azcentral.com/sports/special3/articles/0225aquino-ON.html