I still think that Marmol would be a very good closer

[CuseCubFan69]

I think this kid would do a great job as a closer unless the Cubs have another guy that they are "grooming" for the postion. I like Dempster but if he can bring something in a Dempster, Cedeno/Izturis and another young pitcher for an impact bat I'd be thrilled with that. These players would be a horrible match for Toronto but somebody has to need a SS and a good closer. I wonder if the Cubs can shake Cantu out of Tampa Bay?

[C.C.]

I think this kid would do a great job as a closer unless the Cubs have another guy that they are "grooming" for the postion. I like Dempster but if he can bring something in a Dempster, Cedeno/Izturis and another young pitcher for an impact bat I'd be thrilled with that. These players would be a horrible match for Toronto but somebody has to need a SS and a good closer. I wonder if the Cubs can shake Cantu out of Tampa Bay?

 

The only problem with that is his control.

[forbez18]

NO Thank you to Marmol as closer. You can't walk 4 guys an inning and be a closer. You can't walk 1 guy every inning and be a good closer. I dont care if they trade Depster just but erye or Howry in there. But no thanks to Marmol keep him as a starter for now let him figure out his control first and he can be a very good starting pitcher.

[soapy]

I would think that Wuertz is a viable option at closer. Either way, I'm all in favor of trading Dempster (plus something) if somebody is willing to overpay for an "established" closer.

 

That's nothing against Dempster, it's just an overrated position IMO and some GMs seem to be willing to pay up for closers.

[CuseCubFan69]

I think this kid would do a great job as a closer unless the Cubs have another guy that they are "grooming" for the postion. I like Dempster but if he can bring something in a Dempster, Cedeno/Izturis and another young pitcher for an impact bat I'd be thrilled with that. These players would be a horrible match for Toronto but somebody has to need a SS and a good closer. I wonder if the Cubs can shake Cantu out of Tampa Bay?

 

The only problem with that is his control.

 

I know his control is poor right now but so was Dempsters. I think that the closer mindset would work on Marmol.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

Wuertz is the best reliever on the team, I'd let him close.

 

Marmol is only 23 and is in only his 4th season as a pitcher. I don't see any reason to move him away from a starter's workload and a starter's value.

[CuseCubFan69]

Wuertz is the best reliever on the team, I'd let him close.

 

Marmol is only 23 and is in only his 4th season as a pitcher. I don't see any reason to move him away from a starter's workload and a starter's value.

 

I'd be fine with Wuertz as a closer. I just think that Marmol could be a dominate type closer. I see your point about keeping him as a starter and I would like to see this if Dempster is traded or hurt.

[mg420]

if they are going to make carlos into a closer (which might be the best option imo), he should get some time in that role in iowa. i suggested the same route for guzman not long ago. with marshall, hill & mateo in line as starters & veal & sean g coming on strong, it's time for some of these other guys to start producing as starters or they should be switched to the pen or traded. i know marmol is still very young and hasnt pitched much being converted from a catcher, but maybe his stuff is better suited to an inning or 2 rather than 5-6.

[cubfan1955]

I'd like to give Kerry Wood a shot at the closer job. Although at a reduced price from what he is making this year. Trade Dempster and we'd still have Wuertz around if it didn't work out.

[CuseCubFan69]

I'd like to give Kerry Wood a shot at the closer job. Although at a reduced price from what he is making this year. Trade Dempster and we'd still have Wuertz around if it didn't work out.

 

Could Wood even be ready to throw by next year? I'd hate to depend on him in any way and you have to shake Baker off the roster if you're going to get Weurtz to close.

[baseball7897]

Wuertz is the best reliever on the team, I'd let him close.

 

Marmol is only 23 and is in only his 4th season as a pitcher. I don't see any reason to move him away from a starter's workload and a starter's value.

 

I dont think Wuertz is the "best" reliever on the team. I would take Howry, and Eyre over him anyday.

[cubfan1955]

I'd like to give Kerry Wood a shot at the closer job. Although at a reduced price from what he is making this year. Trade Dempster and we'd still have Wuertz around if it didn't work out.

 

Could Wood even be ready to throw by next year? I'd hate to depend on him in any way and you have to shake Baker off the roster if you're going to get Weurtz to close.

I'll sign off on that move. :twisted:

[PrimeTime]

How about giving Ardssma a shot at closer, this guy can hit 97 98 MPH on the gun, I think he has potential

[goonys evil twin]

How about giving Ardssma a shot at closer, this guy can hit 97 98 MPH on the gun, I think he has potential

 

Throwing really hard is cool, but sucking as a pitcher is somewhat of an obstacle to having great success as a closer. Aardsma walks too many and is too hittable. He's had a moderately successful minor league career, but it hasn't translated to much in the majors, not with a career WHIP of 1.88. He needs a lot of development before he'll be a reliable reliever.

[NorthsideAvenger]

Wuertz is the best reliever on the team, I'd let him close.

 

Marmol is only 23 and is in only his 4th season as a pitcher. I don't see any reason to move him away from a starter's workload and a starter's value.

 

I'd be fine with Wuertz as a closer. I just think that Marmol could be a dominate type closer. I see your point about keeping him as a starter and I would like to see this if Dempster is traded or hurt.

 

First: I wouldn't worry about Marmol lack of control, FOR NOW. Once he gets comfortable in the majors, and learn to trust his stuff, and listen to the catcher, he will be fine, control wise.

 

Second: I do believe Marmol long-term role will be closer, and I like to see him in that role by no later then 2008.

[Soriano12]

great idea..lets put a guy with sever control problems in at closer.

:shock:

[soccer10k]

Marmol needs to cut down on his walks period before he can be an effective major league pitcher where that is as a starter or a reliever/closer.

[Warren Brusstar]

Wuertz is the best reliever on the team, I'd let him close.

 

Marmol is only 23 and is in only his 4th season as a pitcher. I don't see any reason to move him away from a starter's workload and a starter's value.

 

Most cost-effective? Yes. It's no contest.

 

Best? No. Eyre and Howry have been better.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

Wuertz is the best reliever on the team, I'd let him close.

 

Marmol is only 23 and is in only his 4th season as a pitcher. I don't see any reason to move him away from a starter's workload and a starter's value.

 

Most cost-effective? Yes. It's no contest.

 

Best? No. Eyre and Howry have been better.

 

He also has nearly a quarter of their innings. Given his stuff and performance in AAA I believe he'd come out on top.

[baseball7897]

Wuertz is the best reliever on the team, I'd let him close.

 

Marmol is only 23 and is in only his 4th season as a pitcher. I don't see any reason to move him away from a starter's workload and a starter's value.

 

Most cost-effective? Yes. It's no contest.

 

Best? No. Eyre and Howry have been better.

 

He also has nearly a quarter of their innings. Given his stuff and performance in AAA I believe he'd come out on top.

 

Wuertz also throws a slider 90% of the time. Its only a matter of time untill he throws out his elbow.

[CuseCubFan69]

great idea..lets put a guy with sever control problems in at closer.

:shock:

 

And Dempster had and has pinpoint control?

[stitchface]

"that is the worst idea I ever heard."

"yes this is a terrible idea"

 

making a pitcher with command issues a reliever is not a good idea in my opinion. let him pitch multiple innings on a regular basis. then if he shows limited effectiveness beyond 2 or 3 innings, make him a closer.

[imb]

The thing is, you cut out a walk or two per nine innings and marmol could be a terrific starter, why waste these early, inexpensive years by making him into a closer?

[NorthsideAvenger]

great idea..lets put a guy with sever control problems in at closer.

:shock:

 

You're assuming that Marmol will always have control problems. But considering the fact that Marmol is still relatively new to pitching, I can see him developing better command and feel for pitching each yr. So, yes, I do believe Marmol will become an excellent closer in a few yrs.

[biittner77]

Perhaps part of Marmol's control problems are due to not having command of the 3rd pitch he uses as a starter but could ditch if he became a closer. Haven't there been many pitchers that had control problems as starters that did much better as relievers? Without checking, it seems like Dempster would fall into that category.