Huston Street

2013

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2012

Street was traded to the Padres in December and the Rockies were even willing to foot a significant portion of his remaining salary to make the deal happen. Nevertheless, the 28-year-old closer moves from Coors Field to Petco Park, a shift that will undoubtedly help his chances of avoiding the long-ball issues that plagued him (career-high 1.54 HR/9IP) with the Rockies last season. In terms of his effectiveness, Street lost some velocity on his fastball, but lost very little from his strikeout rate (8.49 K/9IP) while posting a career-low 1.39 BB/9IP. If the Padres aren't contending in July, he'll be a trade chip and potential risk to miss out on save chances since the Rockies are picking up the tab, but at the very least you should get at least four good months from him in San Diego.

2011

After shoulder and groin injuries, and a series of setbacks, delayed his 2010 debut, Street had a relatively productive season as the closer for the Rockies. He saved 20 games with a 3.61 ERA and 4.09 K/BB ratio. There were bumps along the way as he suffered a right abdominal contusion as the result of a line drive he took in batting practice in late July, and he lost his command in August with a 12:8 K:BB and 6.06 ERA with three blown saves. He would later admit to pitching through a rib injury in the final six weeks of the season. Assuming he's healthy in 2011, Street should go back to being a dependable closer with good command of his pitches, offering an elite ninth-inning option when he's able to stay on the mound.

2010

Street came over from Oakland in the Matt Holliday trade, and battled Manny Corpas for the closer's role out of spring training. Street won the job, but quickly lost it after just 10 games and a 7.00 ERA. Luckily for Street, Corpas completely failed to capitalize on the opportunity, and then-manager Clint Hurdle was quick to swap Corpas and Street for a second time. This time, however, Street took a firm grasp of job, holding batters to a microscopic .168 average for the remainder of the season. He was the goat in the playoffs, single-handedly blowing two games, but the Rockies were well aware that they'd never have been in the playoffs to begin with if not for Street and his filthy stuff.

2009

Street suffered in silence with a hip ailment in July that quickly moved him out of the closer's role. A change of scenery was exactly what he needed, though it's unclear exactly how the Rockies will use Street and Manny Corpas in the same bullpen. Street posted solid numbers when healthy, and there's every reason to think he can be an elite closer again if given the chance.

2008

Street missed two months of the season with an ulnar nerve injury in his right elbow, but he showed no ill effects after returning in late July (28.1 innings, 19 hits, four walks, 39 K after Aug. 1). There's no reason to think a healthy Street won't approach 40 saves in 2008.

2007

Street was headed toward a 40-save season before getting sidelined with a groin injury for three weeks in mid-August. He came back strong before blowing three of his last four save chances to close the season, but there's no reason to think Street won't be among the top closers in the game in 2007. A 40-save, sub-1.10 WHIP, 70-K, sub-3.00 ERA season is certainly in the works for the next several seasons.

2006

Late spring struggles nearly sent him to minors, but injuries to every capable warm body in the Oakland bullpen eventually led to Street taking over as closer in mid-May. He never looked back. Street struggled a bit against lefties, allowing 43 baserunners in 31.2 IP, but it's nothing that should prevent him from being an elite closer.

2005

Street was a first-round selection in the 2004 draft and rapidly ascended up the A's chain after a successful career at the University of Texas. His performance in the Arizona Fall League (18.1 IP, 11 H, 2 BB, 19 K, 0.98 ERA) has him on the radar for a bullpen role with the A's as soon as early 2005. A solid spring could have him playing a prominent set-up role for the A's right off the bat.