Brian Fuentes

Infobox MLB player
name = Brian Fuentes


width = 250
caption =
team = Colorado Rockies
number = 40
position = Relief pitcher
birthdate = birth date and age|1975|8|9
birthplace = city-state|Merced|California
bats = Left
throws = Left
debutdate = June 2
debutyear = 2001
debutteam = Seattle Mariners
statyear = 2008
stat1label = Win-Loss
stat1value = 17-27
stat2label = Saves
stat2value = 115
stat3label = Earned run average
stat3value = 3.41
stat4label = Strikeouts
stat4value = 480
teams =
*Seattle Mariners (by|2001)
*Colorado Rockies (by|2002-present)
awards =
* 3x All-Star selection (by|2005, by|2006, by|2007)

Brian Christopher Fuentes (pronEng|ˈfwɛntɨs, born August 9, 1975 in Merced, California) is a closer in Major League Baseball for the Colorado Rockies. Previously, he played for the Seattle Mariners. He bats and throws left-handed.

Early years

Fuentes attended high school at Merced High School in Merced, California. After graduating from high school, Fuentes attended Merced Junior college.

Professional career

eattle Mariners

Fuentes was drafted by the Seattle Mariners in the 25th round of the by|1995 amateur draft. He spent one season for the Mariners appearing in ten games.

Colorado Rockies

On December 16, by|2001, Fuentes was traded to the Colorado Rockies, along with Jose Paniagua and Dennis Stark for Jeff Cirillo. Through the first four years of his Major League career, Fuentes had a record of 8-8 with a 4.04 ERA, recording only four saves in 163 games. However, in by|2005, Fuentes took over the closer role for the Rockies following the season-ending shoulder surgery of right-handed pitcher Chin-hui Tsao. Fuentes had a successful season and was named to his first career All-Star Game, but did not appear in the game. He became the first reliever and only the third pitcher overall to represent the Rockies, joining starting pitchers Mike Hampton (by|2001) and Shawn Chacon (by|2003). His 31 saves matched Dave Veres (by|1995) for the third highest single season total in franchise history, trailing only José Jiménez (41 in by|2002) and Chacon (35 in by|2004). In by|2006, Fuentes earned 30 saves while posting a 3-4 record and a 3.44 ERA and was selected as an All-Star for the second time.

In June by|2007, after blowing four saves within an eight-day period, Fuentes was demoted from his role as Rockies closer, losing the job to Manny Corpas. Despite his struggles, he was named an NL All-Star later that week for the third straight year.

In April by|2008, Fuentes regained his closer role, after Corpas had blown a number of save opportunities. [ [http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3365232 Fuentes in, Corpas out after back-to-back blown saves] ]

Pitching style

Fuentes' pitching delivery is a unique and sometimes confusing one, especially for left-handed hitters. He pitches in a funky sidearm motion that is difficult for hitters to pick up and keeps them off balance. Many batters, mainly left-handers, say the ball appears to be coming out of the sleeve of his jersey.

Personal

Brian Fuentes has a wife (Barbara), two sons (Giovanni Paolo and Benicio), and one daughter (Gabriella). [http://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=150118 Brian Fuentes Stats, Bio, Photos, Highlights | ColoradoRockies.com: Team ] ] [ [http://www.denverpost.com/rockies/ci_6913712 Young pitchers look like keepers for 2008 - The Denver Post ] ]

Fuentes currently makes his off-season home in Merced, California.

Fuentes comes from a Mexican-American family. [ [http://news.newamericamedia.org/news/view_article.html?article_id=3b2642696eb2ea042bf37b8cf0edbefd Santana and 'Big Papi' Lead Latino Baseballers - NAM ] ]

tatistics

Career Statistics at August 17, 2008

References

External links

*baseballstats|mlb=150118 |espn=4731 |br=f/fuentbr01 |fangraphs=429 |cube=F/brian-fuentes
* [http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=fuentbr01 Baseball Almanac] - career statistics and analysis