Cubs Interested In Bob Howry

The Cubs are interested in signing the recently-released Bob Howry, according to Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune. Earlier in the week, the D'Backs released Howry, who used to set-up for the Cubs. The right-hander posted a 10.67 ERA in 14 appearances before the D'Backs had had enough of their $2.25MM investment. Cubs GM Jim Hendry has said that he's on the lookout for right-handed relief, and he has many options to consider, though the trade market has yet to fully develop. If the Cubs, who called right-handed reliever Jeff Stevens up today, add Howry it would be as a middle reliever, not a setup man. Howry was inarguably ineffective in Arizona, but his career numbers, especially those against right-handers (6.7 K/9 and 1.6 BB/9), suggest he's capable of better things.