It's official: Carlos Marmol out as Cubs' closer

[cigaretteman]

Cubs manager Dale Sveum made it official Friday morning: Carlos Marmol is no longer the closer out of the bullpen.
The two met in Sveum’s office before Friday’s game against the Dodgers at Wrigley Field and Marmol was “fine with it, he understood,” Sveum said.
The Cubs will use left-hander James Russell and right-hander Rafael Dolis in the role for now, although Sveum said it might not be a strict lefty-left and right-raight matchup.
“We’ll wing it,” Sveum said.
What happens with Marmol?
“I told him just to be ready to pitch any time,” the manager said. “Hopefully, we can get him going to where we give him another chance and get him back in that role.”

It's official: Carlos Marmol out as Cubs' closer - chicagotribune.com

[Cyched]

About time. You don't perform at your job, you lose your job.

I wonder who will do well enough (if anyone) to fill in the role. Maybe they can bring Maine back up?

[CycloneErik]

Good. I respect the good years Carlos had, but this is definitely not one of them.

[CLONECONES]

YAYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!

[clone4lyfe]

Long overdue! My question is Sveum mentioning Marmol throwing 0-3 sliders instead of a fastball. Isn't the catcher at just as much fault in that situation?

[cycloneG]

I'll put away the pitchfork until the new closer blows a save. Then it's on!

[klamath632]

As a Reds fan, I have to say this news is highly disappointing.

[thatguy]

Long overdue! My question is Sveum mentioning Marmol throwing 0-3 sliders instead of a fastball. Isn't the catcher at just as much fault in that situation?

1) its 3-0
2) he might be throwing 3-0 sliders bc his fastball is nowhere near the strike zone, or its flat and getting pounded
3) if the pitcher doesn't want to throw it, especially a veteran pitcher, he has the right to shake off.
4) How bout not going 3-0


**Sorry, Catcher talking.**

[chuckd4735]

Long overdue! My question is Sveum mentioning Marmol throwing 0-3 sliders instead of a fastball. Isn't the catcher at just as much fault in that situation?

If the count is 0-3, than the official scorer and umpire are also to blame.

[Clark]

1) its 3-0
2) he might be throwing 3-0 sliders bc his fastball is nowhere near the strike zone, or its flat and getting pounded
3) if the pitcher doesn't want to throw it, especially a veteran pitcher, he has the right to shake off.
4) How bout not going 3-0


**Sorry, Catcher talking.**

Agreed. Marmol's slider has always been his most consistant pitch. It's his fastball he can't seem to locate regularly.

Also, this is exhibit A on why you trade relievers after huge years. They're so unpredicable (unless their name is Mariano Rivera). That's one of the improvements that this new regime has brought to the Cubs. Hendry would never have traded Marshall and would probably have given him a huge extension.

[ianoconnor]

As a Reds fan, I have to say this news is highly disappointing.

+1

[thatguy]

Agreed. Marmol's slider has always been his most consistant pitch. It's his fastball he can't seem to locate regularly.

Also, this is exhibit A on why you trade relievers after huge years. They're so unpredicable (unless their name is Mariano Rivera). That's one of the improvements that this new regime has brought to the Cubs. Hendry would never have traded Marshall and would probably have given him a huge extension.

closers, typically, except for Rivera and Hoffman, age poorly. A valuable everyday player or starting pitcher is much more valuable than a closer or set up guy. But for several years, the whole idea wasn't lengthening starters out (like the Rangers have done the last couple years) but was specializing a bullpen and shortening games. Now you have Loogies, and Roogies, and double play men, and long men, and set up and closers and all that does is shorten a bullpen. The team that goes back to developing 6 out relievers will be far ahead of the game. Closers are valuable because mentally losing a game in the 9th is a crucial blow, and a lock down closer is a great asset to have, but they are routinely over valued and over appreciated. A great closer is a privilege to have, but not as valuable as a 3rd starter who can continually get into the 7th inning.

-end rant
Signed,
Royals fan who watched his team turn down Jesus Montero, Derek Holland and other everyday players for Soria.

[JBone84]

Well, I wish they would have traded Marmol to the Giants when Wilson went down for the year. Or, alternatively, at any time in his past when he had value.