Cubs, Kiko Calero engaged in Negotiations

With Carlos Marmol locked up as their closer, the Cubs want to add a veteran reliever that can fill in, in late inning situations. And according to a report from Fox Sports the Cubs and free agent reliever Kiko Calero are engaged in negotiations.

Calero, 35, is coming off a very good year with Florida as he posted a 1.95 ERA in 67 appearances.

Now before you slot Calero into the eighth inning there are a few snags that may prevent a deal from getting done. The Cubs are still not enthused about his medical reports, and are wary of how long his throwing shoulder will last, which had given him problems in the previous two seasons. Also Calero is insisting on a two year deal, and so far the Cubs have not budged from their one year offer.

A possible hold-up to a deal getting done with Calero, could be on whether or not the Cubs sign Jermaine Dye. A report from the Sun Times suggested the Dye is still being considered among other outfielders, but from what I have gathered from Bruce Levine and Paul Sullivan Jermaine Dye is their top target and the Cubs have an offer on the table for him.

The ball is in Dye’s  “court” on whether or not he wants a starting job, or a platoon role. I still feel that Dye will end up as a Chicago Cub.