The Chicago Cubs today acquired pitcher Matt Guerrier from the LA Dodgers in exchange for local punchline Carlos Marmol. Yes, somebody actually gave up something for Carlos Marmol. I’m laughing as hard at the Dodgers as you are. Carlos Marmol was perhaps the worst closer ever in Cubs history; and this is a franchise with a history of bad closers.
Los Angeles also acquired something called “international signing bonus slot number four” from the Cubs in the deal. I have no clue what that is, nor do I care.
Guerrier is 25-33 with 112 holds, six saves and a 3.54 ERA in his MLB career with the Minnesota Twins and Dodgers (2011-13).
Like Marmol, he was a reliever who was DFAd this year. He is 2-3 with a 4.80 ERA this season. He posted a 3.86 ERA last season while limited to 16 outings due to right elbow tendinitis. So he might be damaged goods. Still any return on Carlos Marmol is something.
Marmol went 2-4 with two saves and a ginormous 5.86 ERA this season before being dismissed.or assignment on June 25. Carlos Marmol originally signed with the Cubs as a non-drafted free agent on July 3, 1999. Signed as a catcher, Marmol converted to a pitcher prior to the 2003 season and made his big league debut in 2006. Hard to believe today, but he was a National League All-Star in 2008 . Marmol holds the franchise mark with 82 career holds. Marmol became the closer in late 2009 and compiled 117 saves, third most in team history. Overall, he went 23-32 with a 3.50 ERA in 483 appearances with the Cubs, 470 in relief. Again those numbers don’t justify the ire Carlos Marmol draws from Cub fans today.
Paul M. Banks is the owner of The Sports Bank.net. (“Quasi-endorsed” by Philadelphia Eagles Coach Chip Kelly) He’s also an author who also contributes regularly to MSN, Fox Sports , Chicago Now, Walter Football.com and Yardbarker
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