Forget Marmol closing

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

If Marmol were moved to the rotation, we might be able to find another reliever to fill the 7th inning role internally. I think Wuertz was suffering from a dead arm after his heavy use the past couple years. He could bounce back to his 2005/06 levels next year pretty easily (or continue a decline, admittedly). Eyre has been awfully effective in the second half, too. He could move back into the 7th inning role he was signed for.

 

Roquet is another option that could develop into a pretty effective pitcher at the major league level by the end of next year. Could be Petrick if he's healthy. Samardzija if his slider develops. Even Ceda if his control takes a leap. They could choose to put Veal in that role and he might be able to harness things better as a reliever. Mateo could be healthy.

 

Heck, it could be Wood or even Prior.

 

I guess I'm suggesting that it may not be that hard to fill the 7th inning role.

 

It's not hard at all to fill the role. Nobody though, is gonna be as good as Marmol. But the Cubs have to weigh their options. If the Cubs can get a huge upgrade in the OF will it be enough to overcome the likely downgrade in the rotation and bullpen? I think it's worth a shot.

I doubt Marmol in 2008 will be as good as Marmol in 2007, too. It would be incredibly rare for any reliever to have years that good back to back.

 

And I wouldn't completely rule out the possibility that they find somebody who, while not as good as Marmol, surprises heavily on the upside in 2008.

 

I am hoping it could be found in house. No need to pay some reliever another ridiculous contract. I am praying it will be Woody, but not counting on it. Im not sold on Jeff S. just yet, but I do like the Veal & Ceda options.

 

This is a very good topic, IMO. I hope the current Cubs brass or future Cubs brass will talk internally this offseason about it.

 

I think it is a good idea as well, but we can be most assured that the Cubs' decision makers will not even look at it once.

[jersey cubs fan]

I am hoping it could be found in house. No need to pay some reliever another ridiculous contract. I am praying it will be Woody, but not counting on it. Im not sold on Jeff S. just yet, but I do like the Veal & Ceda options.

 

This is a very good topic, IMO. I hope the current Cubs brass or future Cubs brass will talk internally this offseason about it.

 

I have no desire to even consider signing a free agent reliever. I'm definitely talking about in house options.

[Burtonbell]

I am hoping it could be found in house. No need to pay some reliever another ridiculous contract. I am praying it will be Woody, but not counting on it. Im not sold on Jeff S. just yet, but I do like the Veal & Ceda options.

 

This is a very good topic, IMO. I hope the current Cubs brass or future Cubs brass will talk internally this offseason about it.

 

I have no desire to even consider signing a free agent reliever. I'm definitely talking about in house options.

 

Agreed 100%. Any ideas Jersey on who you would like to see?

[CuseCubFan69]

I think you look at every option you have and see if you can improve it. You have to take into account Marmols mental/physical toughness too which I would hope the Cubs have a good grasp on. If the Cubs can get a Tejada, just for example, and have Marmol moved into the rotation and they can get another guy almost as good, is that better than the current team with an upgrade at RF as the main acquisition? I just think you have to look at the whole picture.

[davearm]

Prior will be the number five guy next year guys. I am relatively optimistic. And you guys know how pessimistic i am.

I trust that you're capable of being optimistic, yet still appreciate how absolutely insane it would be to rely on, or plan around, Prior pitching even one single fastball for the Cubs next year.

 

people said i was insane when i tabbed tim redding as a fantasy sleeper this year. 3.73 era

There's nothing insane about thinking Prior could be a pleasant surprise next year.

 

The insane part would be to depend on it, and plan next year's rotation around that exceedingly uncertain possibility. The only reasonable course is to assume you'll get absolutely nothing from the guy, but hope that he can prove you wrong.

[Guest]

If Marmol were moved to the rotation, we might be able to find another reliever to fill the 7th inning role internally. I think Wuertz was suffering from a dead arm after his heavy use the past couple years. He could bounce back to his 2005/06 levels next year pretty easily (or continue a decline, admittedly). Eyre has been awfully effective in the second half, too. He could move back into the 7th inning role he was signed for.

 

Roquet is another option that could develop into a pretty effective pitcher at the major league level by the end of next year. Could be Petrick if he's healthy. Samardzija if his slider develops. Even Ceda if his control takes a leap. They could choose to put Veal in that role and he might be able to harness things better as a reliever. Mateo could be healthy.

 

Heck, it could be Wood or even Prior.

 

I guess I'm suggesting that it may not be that hard to fill the 7th inning role.

 

It's not hard at all to fill the role. Nobody though, is gonna be as good as Marmol. But the Cubs have to weigh their options. If the Cubs can get a huge upgrade in the OF will it be enough to overcome the likely downgrade in the rotation and bullpen? I think it's worth a shot.

I doubt Marmol in 2008 will be as good as Marmol in 2007, too. It would be incredibly rare for any reliever to have years that good back to back.

 

And I wouldn't completely rule out the possibility that they find somebody who, while not as good as Marmol, surprises heavily on the upside in 2008.

 

I am hoping it could be found in house. No need to pay some reliever another ridiculous contract. I am praying it will be Woody, but not counting on it. Im not sold on Jeff S. just yet, but I do like the Veal & Ceda options.

 

This is a very good topic, IMO. I hope the current Cubs brass or future Cubs brass will talk internally this offseason about it.

 

Are you talking about Ceda next season? I don't see it happening, maybe in 09 if he can cut down his walks.

[Burtonbell]

 

Are you talking about Ceda next season? I don't see it happening, maybe in 09 if he can cut down his walks.

 

I thought if we caught lightning in a bottle with Marmol's freakishly fantastic year we could do the same with someone like Ceda. (Not to discredit Marmol's season, he should be a good pitcher in the long run, provided his arm doesnt fall off)

 

You are right, Ceda needs more time to work on his location. Would it shock me if he made the team, you bet. I just made that assumption under the condition we are just throwing some names out there. Tim mentioned him and it peaked my interest after looking at his numbers. The walks are scary still though.

[Guest]

I don't know that I'd consider Marmol as catching lightning in a bottle - sure, his K/9 is too good and probably will fall - but his success this season in the bigs was easily plausible given his stuff and how he fared in the minors.

[Guest]

Are you talking about Ceda next season? I don't see it happening, maybe in 09 if he can cut down his walks.

I sure don't expect it to happen. But if (big honking if, I realize) he comes out of the gate with improved control in '08, then he could make an impact quickly. He's not a likely option, imo, but just a non-zero possibility worth paying attention to.

[NoDak]

I think Marmol was used the best possible way this past year. He was brought in in the inning that we really needed to get through with minimal damage. His herky-jerk delivery would be a nightmare for control and health if he were a starter. Leave him where he is.

[Brendan]

does anyone actually think that marshall will be with the cubs next season? given how his role dramatically (and, perhaps, inexplicably) diminished towards the end of this season and how many (potential) options we have for one spot in the rotation for next season, i'd be very surprised if the cubs keep him.

[CubinNY]

does anyone actually think that marshall will be with the cubs next season? given how his role dramatically (and, perhaps, inexplicably) diminished towards the end of this season and how many (potential) options we have for one spot in the rotation for next season, i'd be very surprised if the cubs keep him.

I think he was injured or had a dead arm and the Cubs didn't want to publisize the problem. He was right around a career high in IP. Anyway, I wouldn't be surprised if he were traded, but I think that is becuase he has some value.

[snoodmonger]

just out of curiosity, what kind of value would Marmol net in a trade?

[badnews]

If Lincecum could start I don't see why Marmol couldn't.

 

Ceda dominated a very pitcher friendly league but still gave up a ton of walks. He needs a lot more time.

[baseball7897]

If Lincecum could start I don't see why Marmol couldn't.

 

Lincecum is miles ahead of Marmol when it comes to mechanics and durability.

[badnews]

I think that's just a blandishment that isn't proven or anything. I could say Marmol's got the better pitcher's physique and we're not really getting anywhere.

[UK1679666180]

After further thought, I think it could be done and I think it would be worth exploring if Marshall is one of the piecesused to improved SS, but he would have to given Maddux type pitch counts (80-90) and monitored closely.

 

I highly doubt the Cubs would consider it though.