Cordero welcomes manager's challenge

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The debacle in Atlanta served as Chad Cordero's wake-up call.

Since the Washington Nationals' All-Star closer gave up Jeff Francoeur's walk-off grand slam on May 13, Cordero has converted nine consecutive save opportunities and owns an 11-inning scoreless streak.

The Chief is back.

"I don't know if he'll ever look like last year's Cordero, but he's pretty good as he is this year," Nationals manager Frank Robinson said. "He's back in a good groove and he's throwing the ball well and locating his pitches."

Last season, Cordero was one of the best stories of the team's first season in the District. Cordero led the majors and set a franchise record with 47 saves in just his second full season in the majors.

This season didn't start out well for Cordero.

On May 18 in Chicago, he had three saves and three blown saves with a 4.59 ERA. After Cordero walked the Cubs' Jacque Jones to put runners on the corners, Robinson walked out to the mound to talk to his closer.

"He just asked if I was the man, if I was the man for the job," Cordero said that night after saving his fourth game of the season.

The Nationals' 70-year-old manager had to lay it on the line. The strong language worked because Cordero entered last night tied for fifth in the National League with 12 saves.

"[Francoeur's walk-off] was the worst it can possibly get," Cordero said. "From after that it could only get better. Luckily, I've kind of hit a hot streak and everything feels great."