Marmol Will Pitch in WBC

[E.J.]

MESA, Ariz. -- Chicago's Carlos Marmol said Friday he is reconsidering whether he will pitch for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic.

 

Marmol, who was projected as the Dominican team's closer, said he wanted to talk to Felipe Alou, the Dominican manager, and would announce his decision on Saturday. The World Baseball Classic teams are scheduled to announce their rosters on Tuesday.

 

Marmol is vying with Kevin Gregg for the closer's job on the Cubs.

 

"I want to be the closer here," Marmol said Friday. "I need to work here. I'm not sure I'm going [to the World Baseball Classic]."

 

Cubs manager Lou Piniella said Friday he told Marmol he would get the right-hander into two Cactus League games before he left to join the Dominican team. When told that Marmol is leaning toward staying, Piniella relayed a conversation with the pitcher.

 

"I told him the other day that while he's over there, Gregg will be throwing the ball 98 miles an hour getting people out," Piniella said. "I was just joking."

 

http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090220&content_id=3855034&vkey=news_chc&fext=.jsp&c_id=chc

[Transmogrified Tiger]

Yes, please don't go then let Gregg beat you out for the closer's role.

[Outshined_One]

Yes, please don't go then let Gregg beat you out for the closer's role.

 

Let Gregg close; I'd rather have Marmol as the fireman.

[shnsajax]

Yes, please don't go then let Gregg beat you out for the closer's role.

 

Let Gregg close; I'd rather have Marmol as the fireman.

 

+1. Gregg is more than capable of being a very solid closer with 40 saves, where Marmol is the best setup man in all of baseball.

[blangen]

It just depends on when and where Marmol is used. If he's allowed to close, using 4-5 out saves regularly, then he's the best closer option. If they aren't comfortable using him in multiple out saves, but instead in long set up positions, then he will easily be the best set up man in baseball again. It's all up to Lou and his staff.

[Drew Doughty]

Yes, please don't go then let Gregg beat you out for the closer's role.

 

Let Gregg close; I'd rather have Marmol as the fireman.

 

i think he was saying he wants gregg to win the closer's role.

[PrimeTime]

Marmol is far more valuable in that role of last year in the 7th and 8th when he was cleaning everyone elses messes up. There was so many times when he saved the game from the other team tying it or putting up a go ahead run from his nasty K's, popups, DP's and getting out of so many jams. Why not just put in Gregg when theres no one on base and it's not a nail biting situation?? It kind of still is in a way,but Id rather have Marmol in on those times when runners were at 2nd and 3rd with 1 out and he almost miraculousy got out of it every time.

[Cubswin11]

Marmol's not pitching.

 

 

Carlos Marmol said Monday he is not going to pitch in the World Baseball Classic, and will stay with the Cubs this spring.

 

http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090223&content_id=3870242&vkey=news_chc&fext=.jsp&c_id=chc

[E.J.]

He changed his mind. He is going to pitch in the WBC now.

 

http://blogs.chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports_hardball/2009/02/marmol-changes-mind-again-on-wbc.html

 

Carlos Marmol changed his mind again about playing in the World Baseball Classic, accepting an invitation to play for the Dominican Republic.

 

"I think it's a good idea for me and my team," he said. "It's a good thing when you get to represent your country. I've got a chance now, and maybe the next couple times I won't get that chance. Who knows?"

 

Marmol will close for the Dominican team. He was lobbied by manager Felipe Alou, who desperately wants Marmol on his powerhouse team. Manager Lou Piniella said Marmol's decision won't affect him in the closer's race.

 

"I don't know about that," Marmol said with a laugh. "But it's my decision. I know I'm going to be on the team and I'm going to work hard. And someday I'll close. Maybe this year? I wish."

 

The Cubs are a little concerned that Marmol will overtax his arm by pitching in the WBC, but Piniella said he was fine with the decision.

[The Logan]

He changed his mind. He is going to pitch in the WBC now.

 

http://blogs.chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports_hardball/2009/02/marmol-changes-mind-again-on-wbc.html

 

Carlos Marmol changed his mind again about playing in the World Baseball Classic, accepting an invitation to play for the Dominican Republic.

 

"I think it's a good idea for me and my team," he said. "It's a good thing when you get to represent your country. I've got a chance now, and maybe the next couple times I won't get that chance. Who knows?"

 

Marmol will close for the Dominican team. He was lobbied by manager Felipe Alou, who desperately wants Marmol on his powerhouse team. Manager Lou Piniella said Marmol's decision won't affect him in the closer's race.

 

"I don't know about that," Marmol said with a laugh. "But it's my decision. I know I'm going to be on the team and I'm going to work hard. And someday I'll close. Maybe this year? I wish."

 

The Cubs are a little concerned that Marmol will overtax his arm by pitching in the WBC, but Piniella said he was fine with the decision.

 

If him pitching in the WBC means he'll be a setup guy, I might actually prefer that. I just hope the Dominicans destroy everyone now so they don't have to use Marmol much

[cubswin2009]

Awesome.

[Rob]

Yes, please don't go then let Gregg beat you out for the closer's role.

 

Let Gregg close; I'd rather have Marmol as the fireman.

 

+1. Gregg is more than capable of being a very solid closer with 40 saves, where Marmol is the best setup man in all of baseball.

 

And don't forget that a full season in the closers role will probably make Gregg a Type A free agent when he walks... and potentially a pretty attractive one with a cursory glance at the market.

[Hairyducked Idiot]

Good. The enjoyment I get from watching him is worth the fraction of a percent chance he might get hurt.

[Wheelimus]

Somehow doubt this will lead to Marmol not being our closer. Only if he struggles in the WBC and that's the last thing we want to see.

 

I just hope that the bullpen competition is fair and others get serious looks at setup other than Gregg.