SARASOTA, Fla. -- "Coco." As far as closers' nicknames go, it's not one you'd immediately think would strike fear into the hearts of hitters.

However, wise hitters know enough not to discount the Reds closer who owns the moniker -- Francisco "Coco" Cordero. The right-hander is a two-time All-Star with 177 career saves.

Why "Coco"?

Credit goes to former Tigers teammates Todd Jones and Doug Brocail.

"For some reason they said I looked like Coco B. Ware the wrestler," Cordero said. "Since 1999, everyone's been calling me Coco."

Unlike the former grappler, Cordero won't emerge from the bullpen with a parrot on his shoulder. But only a couple of years ago, he was pitching with a chip on his shoulder.

Cordero was the Rangers' third all-time leading closer with 117 saves, including 49 in 2004 and 37 in 2005. By 2006, he was on the outs in Texas. A rough patch, during which he coughed up five blown saves in April, led to his demotion to a setup role in favor of Akinori Otsuka.

"I had the job as closer and I thought I was doing a pretty good job," Cordero said of the events leading to his departure from Texas. "Then for two weeks, it went the wrong way and I lost my job. I went from being a hero to losing my job and getting traded to another city. You get mad. Then you get motivated to work hard and try to show that was a mistake they made. I think I proved my point."

Did he ever.

In July, 2006, Cordero went from Rangers to the Brewers in a six-player deal that sent Carlos Lee to Texas. Cordero posted a 1.69 ERA and 16 saves and was named Milwaukee's Most Valuable Pitcher. In 2007, he converted 44 of 51 save chances and posted a 2.98 ERA for the Brewers.

"I hated to see him come into the game," said Reds manager Dusty Baker, who was with the rival Cubs in 2006. "You knew he was going to come at you and come at you with strikes. And he wanted to be there. You can tell when some guys don't want to be in there. He wanted to."

In November, Cordero cashed in to the tune of $46 million over a four-year contract with a club option for 2012 worth $12 million. It was the largest free agent contract ever given by Cincinnati, which outbid division rivals like the Brewers and Astros.

Cordero doesn't expect added pressure from signing the huge contract, which was also the richest ever for a Major League reliever.

Spotlight on the Reds An up-close look at the club as we approach Opening Day News and Features • Cordero welcomes the pressure • Baker happy to be back • Reds organization report • Reds quick hits • New Reds skipper no stranger to spring Multimedia • Spring Training Report 400K

More team spotlights: American ¬ Angels Athletics Blue Jays Indians Mariners Orioles Rangers Rays Red Sox Royals Tigers Twins White Sox Yankees National ¬ Astros Braves Brewers Cardinals Cubs D-backs Dodgers Giants Marlins Mets Nationals Padres Phillies Pirates Reds Rockies

"If you think about it, there will be pressure," he said. "If you just think about your job like I've been doing it, that's all I have to think about -- just get people out and do my job in the ninth inning. Don't think about the contract."

Don't expect the free agent windfall to dull the chip on Cordero's shoulder, either. People who know him well know better. Former Reds pitcher Mario Soto was the general manager of Cordero's winter ball team in the Dominican Republic.

Growing up in Santo Domingo, Cordero idolized Dominican pitchers like Soto, former Reds star Jose Rijo, Juan Marichal and Pedro Martinez.

"The thing I see in him is he really worked hard to be where he is right now," Soto said. "In the Dominican, I always saw him working out when he's there. Usually, you don't see the guys come to the stadium to watch games. Two or three times a week during winter ball, he'll be there watching games. It tells you he's business."

Cordero isn't all business, all the time. Although a relatively quiet player, he's been known to be playful with his former teammates and have a good time in the clubhouse.

With the Reds, Cordero has often held court with several of the younger Latin players on the team. After workouts, Spanish-speaking teammates like pitchers Johnny Cueto and Edinson Volquez will gravitate to whatever lunch table Cordero is seated at in the clubhouse.

Cordero grew up just minutes from his local ballpark in Santo Domingo. Many of the players he respected growing up have helped him. He believes he should pay it forward to the next generation.

"I'm just being a teammate. That's the kind of person I am," Cordero said. "I like to talk and laugh. I knew those guys before I came here. From time to time, we talk baseball. I try to help in any way I can. They're pretty good listeners. They pay attention and I'm enjoying it."

Cordero would enjoy nothing more than to tell young guys about being in the playoffs, but he still has not tasted the postseason himself.

Expect that hunger to motivate "Coco" when he emerges through the bullpen door in the ninth inning and heads toward the mound to take the ball from Baker. The Reds have retooled their bullpen around the addition of Cordero and expect him to protect leads that were once difficult to take into the last inning.

"I want to get the job done," Cordero said. "I want to do my best to help the team in any kind of way. I guess the only way I can help is by getting people out."