Colome has eyes on return to closer's role with Chicago White Sox
In 2017, the rebuilding Chicago White Sox traded closer David Robertson to the New York Yankees before the July 31 nonwaiver deadline.
Last season, the rebuilding Sox sent closer Joakim Soria to the Milwaukee Brewers before the July 31 nonwaiver trade deadline.
As they move into Year 3 of the rebuild, the White Sox hope they start showing signs of being a playoff team.
Such a step forward will require a reliable relief pitcher for the ninth inning, and Alex Colome wants to fill the key role.
"I can't tell you right now I am going to be the closer," Colome said Thursday through translator Billy Russo on a conference call. "That's not my place to say, and I know I will have to earn that position.
"It's something to prove in spring training. I'm confident in myself and I know I can do the job."
Acquired from the Mariners last week in a trade that sent catcher Omar Narvaez to Seattle, Colome is a proven commodity in the ninth inning.
Pitching for the Rays in 2017, the right-hander led the American League with 47 saves. He was an all-star for Tampa Bay in 2016 and had 37 saves.
"We're very optimistic about what he's going to bring for at least the next two seasons," Sox general manager Rick Hahn said of Colome, who is contractually under club control through 2020.
Last year, Colome was the Rays' closer and he had 11 saves in 13 opportunities before being traded to the Mariners on May 25. With Edwin Diaz in place at the time for Seattle, Colome reluctantly filled the setup role.
"I wasn't happy," he said. "My mind wasn't in the right spot when I got to Seattle, but then I didn't notice much difference in being a setup man and closer. In those situations, you're getting into the game with the game on the line and you have to perform."
Colome performed very well setting up Diaz, going 5-0 with a 2.53 ERA and 30 holds in 47 appearances with the Mariners.
While he likely will have to beat out injury-prone Nate Jones for the closer's role in spring training and possibly Zack Burdi down the road, Colome is excited to be a part of the White Sox's bullpen.
"I wasn't expecting a trade to Chicago," he said. "But I was really happy when it happened, especially after my agent told me I'd have a pretty good opportunity to be a closer again."
Colome will turn 30 on New Year's Eve, and he will be one of the oldest players in the Sox's clubhouse. He is looking forward to be a role model for the young relievers.
"I can be a very good example for the guys," Colome said. "I like to talk to the guys and help the best way I can. Not just for the guys in the bullpen but throughout the whole team.
"When they traded me to the White Sox, I felt happy because I know this is a young team with a lot of energy, a team that is planning to be a competitive team and fight for a playoff spot in years to come."