MESA, Ariz. - Cubs manager Lou Piniella named Kevin Gregg the team's closer on Sunday over Carlos Marmol. Piniella spoke to both pitchers this morning and made his announcement after batting practice at HoHoKam Park. Piniella's difficult decision was made even harder because he knows what Marmol can do while he’s only just learning about Gregg.I think this is the right decision for the Cubs but there are going to be a lot of disappointed Marmol owners as this news spreads. Gregg should be a perfectly compentent source of saves without the gaudy strikeout numbers that Marmol provides. Marmol of course is a perfectly fine choice as a middle reliever with saves potential.
Statistically speaking, Gregg has outperformed Marmol this spring, throwing 8 1/3 shutout innings in nine appearances. Marmol has compiled a 4.50 earned-run average and hit five batters in eight innings, not counting his numbers from the World Baseball Classic. Marmol and Gregg both have 10 strikeouts, while Marmol has walked one and Gregg has walked two.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
The Cubs Name Kevin Gregg Closer
From the Chicago Tribune:
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If I am the agent for Carlos Marmol, I am hitting my head against the desk. How stupid of him to let this guy go to the WBC when the closers job was up for grabs. If Lou could have seen him pitch all month I think it would have made a difference. I don't think Gregg will keep the job all season, but if he does it will cost Marmol millions of dollars down the road. I still think he has a bright future, but if he gets hurt somewhere between now and becoming the official closer he is going to miss his long term opportunity.
ReplyDeleteThe problem for Marmol is now that Gregg is not Borowski or Todd Jones as a closer. He is solid and unlikely to pitch terribly for any extended period. This more than Marmol proving himself is likely to keep Marmol setting up all year.
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