Rockies Sign Manny Corpas

Colorado has signed reliever Manny Corpas to a minor league deal and has invited the veteran to Spring Training. According to Thomas Harding of MLB.com, the organization believes that Corpas can be a serious contender for a spot in the bullpen filling one of their “hybrid” roles – relievers that face righties or lefties and have the capability of throwing multiple innings, if necessary.

Corpas, now 30, spent time with the Rockies earlier in his career from 2006 through 2010, including a stint as the team’s closer during their run to the World Series in 2007. Over the course of that stretch he posted 12-16 record and 34 saves in 112 appearances (286.0 IP), adding a 3.93 ERA, 2.5 BB/9, and 6.5 K/9. Corpas saved 19 games during the 2007 season, plus another 5 in the playoffs before the Rockies were swept in the World Series by Boston.

The right-hander spent the 2012 season with the Chicago Cubs, appearing in 48 games. He finished the year 0-2 with a 5.01 ERA and a career-low 5.4 K/9. Chicago outrighted him off their 40-man roster at season’s end, at which point Corpas refused an assignment to the minor leagues and became a free agent.