Kevin Gregg Named Chicago Cubs Closer
March 29, 2009 by Stephen Kersey
Filed under News, Spring Training
After incumbent closer Kerry Wood left the Chicago Cubs in free agency, many baseball insiders believed that the team would simply hand over the closer role to Carlos Marmol. Marmol spent 2008 as the Cubs setup man and he did a fine job in that role. However, after a shaky spring, manager Lou Piniella has decided to give the closer job to Kevin Gregg.
Last year with the Florida Marlins, Gregg racked up 29 saves along with a 3.41 ERA. Acquired via trade in the offseason, Gregg hasn’t given up a run during spring training. That fact, along with Piniella being comfortable with Marmol as the setup man once again, allowed Gregg to win the top job in the bullpen.
Marmol, a 26-year-old out of the Dominican Republic with dynamic stuff, pitched very well last year. He had a 2.68 ERA, a WHIP of 0.93 and 114 strikeouts in 87.1 innings. Marmol also finished the year with 30 holds in 82 outings.
Despite losing out on the closer role, Marmol is the next in line if Gregg struggles at any point during the 2009 Major League Baseball season.
Here is a video of Gregg while with the Marlins robbing the Cubs of a hit with a behind the back stab:
