BY CLAYTON RICHER – FAN FUEL BLOGGER
There is still some Montreal Expos fever kicking around this spring training in the likes of former All-Star closer Chad Cordero. Cordero is attempting a comeback with the Los Angeles Angels after last pitching in the majors in 2010 with the Seattle Mariners, a season in which he made nine appearances. The last time Cordero pitched in the majors for a full season was in 2007 due to an assortment of injuries and the tragic death of his child.
Cordero’s best season came the following season after the Expos relocated to Washington in 2005. Cordero earner 47 saves as the closer for the Washington Nationals in their inaugural season. I had a chance to ask Cordero some questions about the comeback and his days with the Montreal Expos.
Cordero on getting called up to the majors:
“That day was awesome! I remember it was our last game of the season in high-A. I was playing for Brevard County and we were playing Jupiter in Palm Beach, Florida. I didn’t throw that game and was kind of disappointed because I hadn’t thrown as much as I had hoped. Turns out there was a reason for that. They had known for a couple weeks that I was getting called up so they tried to keep me as fresh as possible. After the game had ended the manager, Doug Sisson, called me into his office. I thought I was in trouble but I didn’t remember doing anything. When I walked in the office the scout who had signed me was sitting in there with the manager. When I saw him I figured something was up. They sat me down and told me was getting called up. I couldn’t believe. I remember calling everyone in my phone that night because I was so excited. “
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Cordero on playing in Montreal:
“I loved my time in Montreal. The fans were great. You really got to know them because the same fans seemed to come to every game. I remember after games being able to walk out of the stadium to catch the subway and nobody would notice. Everyone had to go out the front gates to catch the subway so I use to walk out with the fans. I guess I blended in. I don’t think they were able to notice me without my hat. I always thought that was pretty cool.”
Cordero on the best advice he ever received:
“In 2004 I was struggling with walks. I didn’t trust my ability. Frank Robinson called me into his office and just told me not to be afraid of getting hit. He said there is a reason you’re up here. I remember after that I had a new found confidence. I went from walking like 45 hitters in 75 innings in 2004 to 16 or 17 in 2005. I think his advice really helped me become an all-star in 2005.”
Cordero on the accomplishment he is most proud of:
“I don’t know if there is just one. I guess if I had to pick one it would be playing for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic. To me there is nothing greater than putting the uniform with the name of your country across your chest. Plus, playing besides playing like Derek Jeter and Chipper Jones is pretty cool.”
Cordero on the hitter who gave him the most trouble:
“There were actually two players and they hit back to back for the Braves. They were Chipper and Andruw Jones. I couldn’t get them out. I had a lot of success against them the first two years but after that I swear they either hit a home run or hit it off the wall every time they faced me.”
What person Cordero credits for his success in 2005:
“To me the credit has to go to Frank Robinson. Him telling me not to be afraid and trust my stuff really helped me. After talking to him I remember I went right after guys. I knew I was able to get guys out. That whole year was amazing. I remember all the guys on the team just had a really good time. The excitement of bringing a franchise to a city that hadn’t had a baseball team in 30 years was something I’ll never forget.”
Cordero credits what player helped him the most professionally:
“The player who helped me would have to be Jamey Carroll. My first year up he took me under his wing and really made sure I knew exactly what to expect. He taught me the ins and outs of being a big leaguer. I will always appreciate everything he did for me. “
Reliever Rapid Fire
Favourite MLB Park: PetCo Park in San Diego
Oddest thing you have autographed: An arm
First MLB hit off of what pitcher: Don’t have one yet
Funniest Teammate: Nick Johnson
Should steroid users be elected to HOF: Don’t know
Anyone ever charged the mound at you: Nope, I think I’ve only hit three hitters and none on purpose
Longest HR hit off you: Jeff Kent hit one off me that would have went 500 feet but luckily the speakers above left field in Montreal stopped it.
Bullpen Hobbies: Pulling pranks on bullpen mates
Here is hoping Cordero can break camp with the Angels and be the Expos feel good story of 2013. Where’s Youppi when you need him!
Clayton Richer is a baseball writer for Baseball Hot Corner, his interviews and blogs can be found daily at www.baseballhotcorner.com as well you can also follow him on twitter MLBHotCorner