Lee remains ready to save day for 51s

Nick Christensen

Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2003 | 9:22 a.m.

As Las Vegas pitcher David Lee warmed up Monday, he found himself in a good situation.

Top of the ninth, two on, two out, and usually unbreakable closer Steve Colyer had just given up three runs to cut Las Vegas' lead to one.

Fortunately for the 51s, Portland first baseman Tagg Bozied popped to first to seal the 5-4 win for Las Vegas. But if he had been called to duty, Lee would have done anything but complain.

"I take more pride in getting other people out of jams than getting out there and just pitching," said Lee. "I'd rather go out and help someone else out, than just regular pitch. You go out and help somebody out, that's what you're supposed to do. I go out and struggle, other guys pick me up, too."

Lee has thrown impressively this season, allowing 19 runs in just over 55 innings pitched. As the Las Vegas closer when Colyer's unavailable, he has picked up nine saves. When Colyer is closing, Lee usually plays the set-up role.

Lee has pitched out of the bullpen since an injury while pitching at Mercyhurst College in Pennsylvania.

"When I was in college, everyone depended on me," he said. "I was the main guy there. We needed a couple wins to get to the playoffs, and everyone was looking at me. My arm was sore but I went out and pitched anyway. I did it to myself."

Rather than risk further stress on his arm, the Rockies organization decided after drafting him to gear him as a bullpen pitcher. He says the intensity is the same pitching one inning as it was as a starter in college.

"It's the same here. You go out there every day, and your team depends on you. You go out there and get outs. Being part of the bullpen, it's not just going out there and pitching, it's helping other guys get out of jams."

Lee had a decent rookie season with Colorado, working for a 3.67 ERA in 36 games. But things didn't go so well the next season, and he shuffled around to San Diego, Portland, and Edmonton before eventually signing with the Dodgers.

Now, he continues to work in the setup role and stays available to be the bail-out guy if needed.

"You have to want the ball. I come to the ballpark every day, and I know I'm not going to pitch every day," he said. "But I want to be mentally prepared to pitch every day."