Jose Ascanio, Neal Cotts and Defeating the Platoon

Neal Cotts is the only lefty in the Cubs' bullpen, since Scott Eyre is on the DL and Carmen Pignatiello is nowhere near the big leagues. With Kevin Hart recovering from wildness and a concussion in Iowa, Jose Ascanio is a key middle reliever, and late inning power arm in times of need.

Ascanio should see plenty of work when the Cubs are behind and/or when the starting pitcher doesn't get past the middle of the game. If he pitches well enough, he could take innings away from Michael Wuertz and Bob Howry, but his spotty command will make that unlikely for now. more...