Brian Christopher Fuentes (born August 9, 1975 in
Merced, California) is a relief pitcher in Major
League Baseball who plays for the Colorado Rockies.
Previously, Fuentes played for the Seattle Mariners
(2001). He bats and throws left-handed. He currently
uses the song "For You" by Staind as his music when
entering a game.
Fuentes was drafted by the Seattle Mariners in the
25th round of the 1995 amateur draft, and was signed
by Mariners' scout Rodney Davis. 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 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 (2001) and Shawn Chacon (2003). His 31
saves matched Dave Veres (1995) for the third
highest single season total in franchise history,
trailing only José Jiménez (41 in 2002) and Chacon
(35 in 2004). In 2006, Fuentes earned 30 saves while
posting a 3-4 record and a 3.44 ERA.
In June 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 as of late, he was named an NL
All-Star later that week for the third time in his
career.
Fuentes' pitching delivery is a unique and sometimes
confusing one, especially for left-handed hitters.
He pitches in a 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.
