Could Braden Looper be on his way to the Cubs?

Their is no hiding the fact that the Cubs bullpen simply is not good right now. But, the Cubs may soon bring in their version of a solution to the problem. As Ken Rosenthal is reporting(Via Twitter) that the Cubs held a throwing session today in Chicago today with free agent pitcher Braden Looper.

Sources: Free-agent RHP Braden Looper threw today for #Cubs in Chicago. Willing to be flexible on role if Cubs want him. #MLB.

Looper, 35, had horrendous 2009 season with the Milwaukee Brewers. As while he did have a good record of 14-7, he posted a very high ERA of 5.22 while pitching in 194.2 innings for the Brewers and allowing a league high 39 home runs.

But Looper, who has a career ERA of 4.60, would probably serve better in the bullpen then Jeff Samardzija does. And given how bad the Cubs bullpen has been so far this season, I would have to say that the Cubs should take a flier on Looper, considering he maybe better than what the Cubs are sending out their right now.

Looper, who has made it known earlier in the year that he would like to play for the Cubs, is willing to be flexible on his role if the Cubs want him. As Looper could be considered as a spot starter for the Cubs, while pitching most of the time out of the bullpen.

It also should go noted that until 2007, Looper spent his first nine years as a reliever, and posted a very respectable ERA of 3.79.  So, if the Cubs feel Looper can once again have that success out of the bullpen, I’m sure they will make a move for him.

If the Cubs were to add Looper, Jeff Samardzija in all likelihood would be the odd man out, and be sent down to triple A. And when Ted Lilly comes back, James Russell would then be the one to be sent down.