Glad the Cubs avoided arbitration with Marmol, although I’ve never been sold on Marmol as the closer.
I think he’s hands-down the best set-up man in the majors, but still just an above average closer.
And while I realize he went 11-for-11 in saves last year, his many walks will certainly haunt him in the ninth inning.
His slider is deadly, of course, but also comes at the expense of his violent delivery, which is bound to spell arm-trouble as well.
If I’m Lou, I keep the options open for another closer and throw the heck out of Marmol in the seventh and eighth innings until that rubber-arm of his collapses.
Beyond this season, you give Marmol to a two-year deal and play the odds that he’s cashed out by the time he’s 30-years-old.
Giving Marmol a lengthy deal is a mistake. Unfortunately, I believe making him the closer is too.
