ISO Loogy

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

I brought this up in yesterday's game thread. Steve Kline has been given his release. The only left in the pen right now is Pigniatiello. Piggy came into the game yesterday to face two lefties and could throw a single strike. I'm not ready to completely give up on him, but if Eyre is really out until sometime in May, we might have to find another lefty reliever. The Cubs could turn to Sean Marshall, but personally, I'd prefer to keep in AAA as a starter in case one is needed. Juan Mateo might be another alternative.

 

But barring those, the Cubs would probably need to look outside the organization which then leads me to Kline.

 

Kline's numbers are declining, but he might still be able to get a key left-hander out if needed.

 

Another option might be Mike Stanton, who was released by the Reds at the end of spring training.

 

Stanton also isn't very good, but probably could fill the role as a loogy.

 

Both likely would sign for the minimum.

[NCCubFan]

Kline's numbers are declining.....

You mean they're deklineing. :D

[Jehrico]

Has anyone seen any projections on how long until Eyre is ready to come back?

[YearofDaCubs]

So I just checked Kline's numbers and he was brutal last year against lefties. Actually, he was worse against lefties than righties. He's not worth it.

 

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/5778/splits;_ylt=AiljwuZ4qa9BE3HjKRCN0OKFCLcF?year=2007&type=Pitching

[rocket]

do you think pie, veal, vitters, and colvin are enough to pry mercker away from the reds?

[Little Slide Rooter]

do you think pie, veal, vitters, and colvin are enough to pry mercker away from the reds?

 

And Dusty would make sure none of them ever see an MLB field while he signs countless vets on the fringe of retirement.

[Yanksfan1523]

do you think pie, veal, vitters, and colvin are enough to pry mercker away from the reds?

 

And Dusty would make sure none of them ever see an MLB field while he signs countless vets on the fringe of retirement.

 

Then how on earth did Stanton get released? He must have slept with someone's wife (not Sandberg's though).

[Post Count Padder]

I've said it before and I'll say it again. No Steve Kline.

[Mizzou]

Steve Kline hasn't been tough on lefties since '04. He's worthless. Signing him would be a bad, bad idea.

[SouthSideRyan]

Steve Kline hasn't been tough on lefties since '04. He's worthless. Signing him would be a bad, bad idea.

 

Signing Stanton would be even worse.

[biittner77]

Pignatello can stink for less and be sent down if necessary.

[squally1313]

IF we're going to stay with the notion that we have to have a LOOGY, which is debatable as it is, I wonder how much it would take to pry Damaso Marte from the Pirates. I remember in the game yesterday they said that the Pirates had 3 lefties in their bullpen, which seemed a little excessive, and since they aren't going to be competing for a while I doubt a 33 year old reliever is of much importance to them.

 

He's making $2 million this year, and has a club option for next year ($6 million or $250,000 buyout, which is a no brainer). Last year was his best year, so his perceived value has probably never been higher, but then again this is the same guy the White Sox traded for Rob freaking Mackowiak a couple years ago.

 

His numbers against lefties have been amazing...a career 571 OPS against for left handed hitters, and last year they OPSed (not OBPed, mind you) 372, going 6-64 with 2 extra base hits. Even against righties he was pretty good, giving up a 765 OPS to them last year.

 

I know our bullpen is one of our strengths, and maybe the upgrade he would bring isn't worth what we would have to give up, but it wouldn't hurt to look into it.

[Guest]

We could always call up Campusano, but we'd have to make room on the 40-man roster for him.

[Backtobanks]

IF we're going to stay with the notion that we have to have a LOOGY, which is debatable as it is, I wonder how much it would take to pry Damaso Marte from the Pirates. I remember in the game yesterday they said that the Pirates had 3 lefties in their bullpen, which seemed a little excessive, and since they aren't going to be competing for a while I doubt a 33 year old reliever is of much importance to them.

 

He's making $2 million this year, and has a club option for next year ($6 million or $250,000 buyout, which is a no brainer). Last year was his best year, so his perceived value has probably never been higher, but then again this is the same guy the White Sox traded for Rob freaking Mackowiak a couple years ago.

 

His numbers against lefties have been amazing...a career 571 OPS against for left handed hitters, and last year they OPSed (not OBPed, mind you) 372, going 6-64 with 2 extra base hits. Even against righties he was pretty good, giving up a 765 OPS to them last year.

 

I know our bullpen is one of our strengths, and maybe the upgrade he would bring isn't worth what we would have to give up, but it wouldn't hurt to look into it.

 

I've been teased about coming up with 3-way deals in which we end up with Marte. He would be a great addition.

[rchap24]

I've said it before and I'll say it again. No Steve Kline.

 

Hey was Kline a roider? Maybe I just assumed cause he dropped off so drastically?