News
Cordero eyes TYIB's Closer of the Year
Reds stopper finished second in National League in saves
By Mark Sheldon / MLB.com
11/25/09 5:00 PM EST
CINCINNATI -- Reds reliever Francisco Cordero effectively, but almost quietly, established himself as one of the best closers in baseball this past season. This offseason, Cordero is one of 10 Major League closers to contend for Closer of the Year in the 2009 This Year in Baseball Awards. The ballot boxes will close at 7:59 p.m. ET on Dec. 11. In 2008, a record 12 million votes were cast for the TYIB Awards, and that figure could be surpassed this time around as fans weigh in on the year's top hitter, pitcher, moments and more. The results of the voting will be revealed during the week of Dec. 14-18.The anchor of a dependable Cincinnati bullpen, Cordero sometimes made the ninth inning adventurous while putting runners on in nail-biting moments. But he almost always got the job done in the end.
The 34-year-old Cordero was second in the National League behind San Diego's Heath Bell with 39 saves in 43 chances. He began the year with a season-best streak of 15 consecutive saves converted. Cordero, who also posted a 2.16 ERA, was the Reds' lone All-Star Game representative. He managed to have one of his best seasons despite having ankle surgery and mourning the sudden death of his mother during the previous offseason. This season, Cordero also notched his 250th career save and became only the 11th closer in Major League history to notch at least 100 saves in both the National and American Leagues. Also contending for the Closer of the Year Award with Cordero is Bell, David Aardsma of the Mariners, the Dodgers' Jonathan Broxton, the Cardinals' Ryan Franklin, Brian Fuentes of the Angels, the Brewers' Trevor Hoffman, Joe Nathan of the Twins, Jonathan Papelbon of the Red Sox and Yankees closer Mariano Rivera. In its eighth year of existence, the This Year in Baseball Awards is all about the fans, who have the entire say over who will win in the 14 different award categories. Winners will be presented their trophies in on-field ceremonies during the 2010 season.Mark Sheldon is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
