With opening day right around the corner, the question still remains at Cubs' camp; who's going to be in the bullpen? Many of the spots in the pen have already been filled. Last week, Pinella announced that former Florida Marlin closer Kevin Gregg would remain in the closer role. This came as a shock to many Cub fans who believed that set up man Carlos Marmol would be our opening day closer, coming off an all-star season where he was unhittable at times. However, Marmol didn't end the season well last year and hasn't been as impressive a Gregg during the spring. Other guys who are in include Aaron Heilman, who the Cubs received in a trade with the Seattle Mariners this off season. Neal Cotts, former White Sox and Illinois State University standout, has also slated a spot in the bullpen as a left handed specialist. The last spot in the pen that has been made final was giving to Luis Vizcaino, another player who the Cubs pick up this winter in a trade with the Rockies for baseball Marquis.
All that being said there are still two spots left in the bullpen, and four guys who have a good chance to snag one of them. In the running for the job is David Patton, who the Cubs got during this years Rule 5 draft. Patton, who has never pitched above the single A level has been baseball impressive this spring. He has made 11 appearances, more than any other Cub, and posted a .74 ERA, giving up only 1 run in 12.1 innings, while striking out 15 and only walking 2. Next, there is Jeff Samardzija, who after ending last year with the big league club has been touched up for 14 runs in as many innings this spring. Angel Guzman and Chad Gaudin are also both vying for a spot, but their spring numbers are very similar to what Samardjiza has put up. If the season were starting tomorrow, I believe we would see David Patton and Jeff Samardjiza out in the pen.
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