Lights Out And Injury-free Brewers Closer Danny Kolb

Righthander Danny Kolb threw 98 mph when the Rangers drafted him
in 1995, but his career was derailed the past four seasons by a
series of elbow and shoulder injuries that led to his release in
spring training this year. The Brewers signed him to a minor
league contract, called him up on June 18 and made him their
closer after trading Mike DeJean to St. Louis. From July 19
through Sunday, Kolb was 18 for 20 in save situations with a 2.13
ERA.

"He reminds me of Robb Nen," says Milwaukee general manager Doug
Melvin. "Robb had a great arm but was hurt all the time. Danny
always had the arm strength. He just never had a chance to pitch
when his arm didn't hurt. Danny could be like Nen [now with the
Giants] and prove to be our closer for the next four or five
years. A lot of times the team that rehabs a pitcher runs out of
time, and another team reaps the benefits."
--Tom Verducci