Cubs Bullpen Woes

**CYdTracked** · 05-12-2009, 11:44 AM

Lou Piniella rethinking Cubs' bullpen -- chicagotribune.com

Good article, I already knew they were bad but 2nd worst in all of MLB and the breakdown of their walks to the first batters they see is just mind boggling. They definitely need to fix the pen because the rotation and the backend of the bullpen has done enough to keep them in games. I like the idea if Wells keeps pitching well to move Marshall back to the pen because Cotts has just been a train wreck so far this season as the lone lefty.

**CycloneTJS** · 05-12-2009, 12:08 PM

Good post - the 4 primary set-up/hold guys (Heilman, Patton, Cotts & Marmol) have a combined 48 K's vs. 42 BB's - Absolutely Awful. If these guys pitch even half way decently, the Cubs would be leading the division, inspite of all of the injuries. Swapping Wells for Marshall in the rotation makes sense, but lets see how Randy does this week vs. the Padres.

Go Cubs!

**tman24** · 05-12-2009, 12:15 PM

Good thing we got rid of Wood

**AIT** · 05-12-2009, 12:22 PM

Originally Posted by tman24

Good thing we got rid of Wood

Wood didn't pitch middle relief, and Gregg wouldn't be with the Cubs if Wood were still around.

**CYdTracked** · 05-12-2009, 12:39 PM

I'd trade some guys like Jake Fox for a solid veteran reliever if the opportunity arises. Unfortunately Fox is more suited to DH in the AL and might as well trade him while his value is high.

**AIT** · 05-12-2009, 12:47 PM

The story says they'll look to the farm system for reinforcements. How about giving Greg Reinhard a shot (.40 ERA in 22.1 IP, mostly in relief)? Or Jeff Stevens (0 ER in 14 IP, all in relief)? Why not give these guys a shot?

**AIT** · 05-12-2009, 12:49 PM

Originally Posted by travman23

I'd trade some guys like Jake Fox for a solid veteran reliever if the opportunity arises. Unfortunately Fox is more suited to DH in the AL and might as well trade him while his value is high.

They might need Fox if Lee doesn't come around. Fox and Hoffpauir would make a nice 1b platoon.

**hurdleisu24** · 05-12-2009, 01:24 PM

I kinda wish they wouldn't have traded G. Olson for Heilman. If Patton wasn't a rule 5 pick and had to stay I bet he'd have already been sent down or DFA. Im glad that they brought up Acsiano he's been pretty good as a starter at AAA. You have Gregg, Marmol and Guzman who at times have been very good. Cotts on the other had has really been bad and that's saying it nicely. I'd rather have all right handers that throw strikes then keep Cotts only because he's left handed. I hope they bring up Stevens soon also.

**gocubs2118** · 05-12-2009, 01:31 PM

Heilman hasn't been as bad as his numbers say. He has only given up a run in 4 games and his ERA is way overblown because he gave up 5 runs in one game. He will be fine. I'm more worried about our lack of LHRP. Cotts is just awful.

**hurdleisu24** · 05-12-2009, 01:38 PM

Cotts is awful

I hope as soon as Z is back they send Wells down. I wonder if they aren't looking at the potential of bring the Shark back up a little later in May and then moving Marshall to the bullpen and DFA Cotts?

**CYdTracked** · 05-12-2009, 03:21 PM

I think Lou will eventually run out of patience with Patton before long if he keeps this up. He was a nice story out of spring training and there was a reason he only pitched A ball we are finding out now. At some point if you are serious about winning this year you have to cut your losses because he's not going to be the 1 pitcher in the bullpen that puts you over the top.

**hurdleisu24** · 05-12-2009, 08:04 PM

I wonder if the Cubs won't try somehow if Patton keeps struggling to put him on the 15 day DL and hide him there for a little bit. But if the rest of the bullpen was doing their job then the Cubs could keep him and hide him