2014 Closer Watch

[RynoRules]

I started last season's version of this thread ("Marmol Watch" after the 1st game). I'm a bit later this year, but since Strop did a good job today and Veras blew it 12 hours earlier, I'd say the time has come.

 

What is the over/under on how long before Renteria officially declares Veras has lost his job?

[MWV]

I'll wager it will probably take far more than 1 blown save.

If not for a night game (+extra innings) followed by a day game, I suspect Veras pitches the 9th today.

[neely crenshaw]

agreed. I don't think you throw out a choice you made over an entire spring season because of 1 outing. It will happen at some time because I think that's plan long term anyway.

[SouthSideRyan]

Veras didn't pitch yesterday because he threw 36 pitches on Wednesday.

[Backtobanks]

You have to use Veras in some role to get his trade value up before the trade deadline.

[pitchcs]

I mean, IMO Strop is just better than Veras so I think it will happen in the not too distant future.

[Guest]

I don't think it's going to happen soon unless Veras is unexpectedly horrible, for a variety of reasons.

 

- You don't necessarily want your best reliever closing, most games that end up with high leverage save situations also have high leverage setup situations, and many times the setup situations are against better hitters.

 

- Veras is a pretty good reliever himself, he was awful Wednesday but I'd expect him to be effective as closer.

 

- Veras has deadline trade value and is likely to be moved if he's effective, so he'll get every opportunity to revert to the good reliever he's been historically.

 

- Keeping Strop out of save situations has the side benefit of suppressing his arbitration salaries and could save the team upwards of 5 million bucks just by keeping him in a setup role.

 

 

My guess is that Strop stays in a setup role all year. If Veras has a super meltdown, as long as Fujikawa is back and pitching well at that point I'd expect him to start getting save opportunities.

[neely crenshaw]

All good points. He'll get the shot on off days for Veras (if we have many).

It's frustrating to talk about choices made to get the most trade value out of guys but long term it's better for us for all the reasons you state.

[Guest]

I'm ready to pull the plug.

[neely crenshaw]

The hard part is we have so little margin for error. With our offense, I don't see us having large leads very often in games, so every save chance will be tight.

I also don't see us having tons of chances to get wins, so every one is magnified.

we have had 2 save chances, blown one in ugly fashion…

 

No excuses for Veras, he has been awful and has to be better.

Beyond that our bullpen will be under tremendous pressure all season, it looks like almost every time they come in it will be in a tight game, where a hit or run is huge.

[RynoRules]

Veras today:

 

IP H R ER BB SO HR PC-ST ERA

 

0.2 0 2 2 4 1 0 29-12 16.20

[RynoRules]

Now my opinion:

 

Dude can't hit the broad side of a barn right now. I get the arguments above re trade value, but I think this team (at least this early on) deserves a chance to get some wins. The starters and other relievers are good enough to keep us competitive and maybe (just maybe) convince Jed and Theo to get some freaking help for the lineup around the ASB.

[DiamondMind]

Now my opinion:

 

Dude can't hit the broad side of a barn right now. I get the arguments above re trade value, but I think this team (at least this early on) deserves a chance to get some wins. The starters and other relievers are good enough to keep us competitive and maybe (just maybe) convince Jed and Theo to get some freaking help for the lineup around the ASB.

 

Think it's possible Veras is injured?

[RynoRules]

Last night did nothing to alter my perception. Renteria says he is sticking with him. I admire his loyalty and patience, but this team doesn't look awful so far, and I'd like to see them win a few games they deserve to win.

[Guest]

ChicagoCubsOnline ‏@TheCCO 2m

RT @GDubCub Veras out of closer role for now says Renteria

 

Mark Gonzales ‏@MDGonzales 4m

Renteria on closer: "we'll see who emerges."

[jersey cubs fan]

That escalated quickly

[UMFan83]

Rondon please

[Guest]

Patrick Mooney ‏@CSNMooney 4m

Renteria talked to Veras and decided to look at other closer options.

[Guest]

Rondon please

 

I kinda would like it if we just didn't have an anointed closer.

[Hawk4Hall]

I said this at the start of the season but Strop should be the closer.

[d_money]

Apparently, Renteria changed his mind and Veras is out as closer

[Guest]

Apparently, Renteria changed his mind and Veras is out as closer

you don't say

[KingCubsFan]

Rondon please

 

I kinda would like it if we just didn't have an anointed closer.

While good in theory, it doesn't seem to work in practice. Bullpen guys seem to like having defined roles. I'd go with Rondon if I were Renteria. Still leaves (probably) our best reliever in the high-leverage role.

[sneakypower]

they all actually have the same role "get batters out"