The Chicago Cubs already have a closer in Carlos Marmol, and yet I’m suggesting the Cubs go after free agent Joe Nathan this offseason. Why is that exactly? Joe Nathan has been one of the best relievers in baseball for a long time. He missed some time due to Tommy John surgery and like most guys- struggled a bit in his return. Speaking as someone who has had the surgery, it takes a good year AFTER you return to game competition to feel normal…to feel right. It’s like learning how to walk again after a spinal injury for a thrower. It just takes time.
Last year I wanted the Cubs to sign JJ Putz. They didn’t- and he went on to have a huge year because he was healthy. Well I believe Joe Nathan is going to be healthy, and is going to have something to prove. This could be a quick and easy way to improve the quality of the back end of the bullpen that struggled so much last year.
So what do you do with Carlos Marmol? Well- I’m all in favor of trading the vola...
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