Should the Chicago Cubs give Fernando Rodney a call?

Sep 29, 2013; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Fernando Rodney (56) throws against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. Tampa defeated Toronto 7-6. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

The Winter Meetings are coming up soon and free agents are going to be sitting near their phones in hopes of receiving good news.

There are a lot of spots on this team that have improved, but in my opinion, the bullpen still needs some work. The 36 year old veteran is a hard throwing right handed pitcher who could give this bullpen the help they desperately need.

I know we have a lot of young guys in the mix, but with Gregg blowing up, he’s more than likely on his way out.

Now last season the Cubs went out and also picked up Kyuji Fujikawa, he started off alright but ended up needing Tommy John surgery and was placed on the shelf for the remainder of the year.

Fujikawa may be ready for Spring Training but I don’t expect him to get into the mix right away. The Cubs could be cautious and give him some extra time just to make sure he’s strong enough and confident enough to return from such a major surgery.

So why not call Fernando Rodney?

Yeah Rodney’s up there in age, but he’s still adding velocity to his pitches, which is a great sign. He’s redeemed himself since the injury plagued 2011 season he had with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim as he moved onto the Tampa Bay Rays.

In 2011 he only worked 32 innings giving up 26 hits which resulted in 18 runs with 16 of them being earned. He struck out 26 batters with an ERA of 4.50.

In 2012 he moved onto Tampa Bay where he redeemed himself. He pitched 74 2/3 innings, giving up 43 hits which produced nine runs with only five of them being earned.

His ERA for that year was a jaw dropping 0.60.

In 2013 his numbers went up to 53 hits, 27 runs with 25 of them being earned with 82 strike outs. His ERA for last season was 3.38.

You have to look at what he’s able to do. Yeah his walk numbers are somewhat high, but he’s still able to strike out more batters than he is giving them a free pass.

In his career he averages 50 strike outs and 25 walks with a 3.70 ERA a season. Which isn’t all that bad, but not that great either.

Now he wouldn’t be the biggest boost this bullpen needs, but it wouldn’t hurt to give it a shot.

Just a thought, we’ll have to see.

What do you think Cubs fans? Should the Cubs attempt to bring in Rodney?