Taking a look at the Cubs' pen

Bullpen set up:
CLOSER: Kevin Gregg
SETUP: Carlos Marmol
SHORT RELIEF: Aaron Heilman
MIDDLE: Jeff Samarzdija
MIDDLE: Neal Cotts
MIDDLE: Luis Vizcaino
LONG RELIEF: David Patton

When I was first introduced to baseball, teams had 10-man pitching staffs. There were 4-man rotations and 6-man bullpens. Generally now there are 12-man staffs. Above you see the seven Cub relievers.

I think most of us agree that Carlos Marmol is the best pitcher on that list. So why isn't he the closer? Two reasons. 1) hate to give up the option of bringing in Marmol at any time whatsoever; and 2) Marmol tends to be at his worst at the very most important times.

As a short reliever or set up combo, Marmol and Heilman is rock-solid. It will be a great bullpen if two other things go well: 1) Gregg holds up as closer and 2) Marmol doesn't let this bother him. My problem is that I wouldn't bet on either. Gregg is not a dominating closer and if Marmol isn't a little upset by this situation, I don't know what to say. The best case scenario is that he gets angry at Piniella and turns it into determination to demolish opposing hitters. I know that's what Lou is looking for. But will we see that, or will we see Marmol let it get to him and unravel mentally?