ESPN MLB

DENVER -- The Colorado Rockies have closed the door on a major opening on their team by naming Shawn Chacon as their closer.

Chacon started strong last season, but was slowed by elbow trouble after the All-Star break. The Rockies believe the limited pitch count will provide relief for Chacon's arm, especially as his durability has been a question.

Rockies manager Clint Hurdle said Chacon was enthusiastic about the suggestion that he fill the void on the Rockies' pitching staff.

Hurdle calls it a win-win situation.

"He has the weapons to close," Hurdle said Monday. "He has the fastball he runs up in the mid-90s and a strikeout pitch," a hard curveball.

Hurdle says the Rockies will be careful using Chacon early in the season.

Chacon won a club-record 11 games before the break last season and became only the second pitcher in franchise history to be named to the All-Star team. But inflammation in his right elbow limited him to six starts the rest of the season and he finished 11-8 with a 4.60 ERA.

"We're excited about this," Rockies general manager Dan O'Dowd said. "We feel he has a chance to not just be good but be great."

Chacon's new role also helps the Rockies financially because they don't have the money to pursue a proven closer.

Jose Jimenez was the Rockies' closer for 3½ years, setting franchise records for career and single-season saves, but he lost the spot after faltering midway through last season and was released at the end.

Justin Speier lacked consistency when given the chance to close in the second half of the season. He was traded to Toronto on Sunday.

Copyright 2003 by The Associated Press