Carlos Marmol Will Now Play In The WBC
Piniella says it won't affect closer's competition
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Marmol won't have competition for the Dominican closer job
This spring Cubs reliever Carlos Marmol was slated to compete with free agent signee Kevin Gregg for the team's closer role. Having Marmol as closer is something that most Cubs fans have been clamoring for since Kerry Wood left the Windy City for Cleveland, but Lou Piniella does face a pretty tough decision.
While there isn't much doubt that Marmol could be a lights-out closer, Piniella has to wonder if Carlos is more effective as a two inning pitcher in the seventh and eigth innings. It's a decision Piniella is probably going to go over in his mind all spring, possibly changing his mind daily. Which would give the skipper something in common with Marmol, because Carlos can't seem to make a decision and stick to it.
After deciding he wasn't going to play in the World Baseball Classic earlier this winter, Marmol has changed his mind and decided that he's going to join the Dominican Republic's team after all. Though Piniella says it won't affect the closer competition.
"I'm glad he's made up his mind. I told him, 'Look, it's not going to make any difference, closing-wise. We're going to still let you compete (with Kevin Gregg) when you get back, and that's the end of it. I hope he pitches well. He's happy with that, and so am I."
Still, you have to wonder if this is the best decision for Marmol. Not being in camp will affect his role on the team whether Piniella wants to admit it or not, plus he now runs the risk of hurting his arm in games that, fun as they can be to watch, are ultimately meaningless.
Along with writing for NBCCHICAGO.com, Tom Fornelli can also be found contributing at FanHouse, SPORTSbyBROOKS, and his own Chicago sports blog Foul Balls. He tried out for the Italian team in the WBC. He did not make it.
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Posted Tuesday, Jul 14, 2009 - 6:01 PM CST
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