MLB: Gregg named Cubs closer
- Thread starter gocubs2118
- Start date
I guess I don't understand why they are so reluctant to go with Marmol in the closer spot. He seems to have done everything you would want from the set up position. I hope Gregg is the answer.
Because you don't want your best reliever in the closers role. Don't limit him to only one inning to pitch in. Marmol is the best at what he does and thats coming into the 8th inning and getting out of a huge jam. I really hope we never see Marmol as the Cubs closer.
You don't? Someone like Marmol could be a devastating 2 inning closer if needed...
I'd argue some of the best relievers in the game are closers (Papelbon, Rivera, etc.)
That doesn't make it the right move. Anyone can come into a game during the 9th inning with a 3 run lead and get 3 outs. Its not that tough. Why waste your best pitcher on that?
Maybe I'm biased, but he looked like crap when I got to see him last year. :wink:
I've never thought the Cubs paid enough attention to their pen but it's always such a crapshoot.
So you're nearly certain you're going to get the W. You shorten every game to 8 innings and tell the other team they better have you beat or they're history. In some cases, if you have a good setup guy, you can shorten them to 6-7 innings (Rivera-Wetteland of way back when, Red Sox tried this with Okajima-Papelbon and the Yankees tried it with Joba-Rivera)
I'm not buying that logic. I will settle for the idea that Marmol has proven himself to be a great set up guy and there isn't a reason to change what worked.
I don't see anyone taking Rivera and making him a set up guy because that's where you put your best reliever.
Ask the New York Mets how easy it is to go into the 9th with a 3 run lead and still win...
Closers need a certain mindset and maybe Marmol doesn't have "it"
Well Gregg hasnt given up a run all spring, and Marmol has struggled since coming back from the WBC, so it looks like its the right move
I agree:
Gregg, who has 61 saves over the past two seasons, has not given up a run in 8 1/3 innings over nine spring games. Marmol, named to the National League All-Star team last year for the first time, has given up four runs, hit five batters, walked one and given up six hits over eight innings.
Base-on-balls, and hit batsmen killed the Cubs last year
And Carlos Marmol is very inconsistent. When he is on he is great. When he is off he is real bad. I dont think he has the mental toughness yet to be a closer.
CycloneErik
Well-Known Member
Marmol has proven to be a really good setup man, but hasn't shown it when given the chance to close.
He reminds me of Latroy Hawkins before we got him. He was a great setup man in Minnesota. We brought him aboard with a chance to close, and he was booed out of town.
Some guys have the place they fit best. Rivera made the switch from setup to closer and got even better. Maybe Marmol can, maybe he can't.
He reminds me of Latroy Hawkins before we got him. He was a great setup man in Minnesota. We brought him aboard with a chance to close, and he was booed out of town.
Some guys have the place they fit best. Rivera made the switch from setup to closer and got even better. Maybe Marmol can, maybe he can't.
yeah, were better right now sticking with Gregg...I dont see Gregg being a very good 8th inning guy..He is a true closer