Cubs Close to Dealing Carlos Marmol to Dodgers?

Bruce Levine of ESPN Chicago is reporting that the Cubs are closing in on a deal that would send Carlos Marmol to the Dodgers. No name or names have leaked yet as to what exactly Los Angeles would be shipping back to the Cubs in exchange. Levine also mentioned that the Dodgers would be willing to eat some of the $5 million left remaining on Marmol’s contract for 2013. With the former Cubs closer having been designated for assignment just seven days ago, it will be interesting to see if the Cubs can get anything of even remote value. Only three days remain before the team has to unconditionally release Marmol if no deal can be struck. At that point, any team including the Dodgers would be free to approach the then free agent Marmol.

Jun 20, 2013; St. Louis, MO, USA; Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Carlos Marmol (49) delivers a pitch against the St. Louis Cardinals during the eighth inning at Busch Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Cubs 6-1. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports

Marmol is also set to be a free agent at the end of the 2013 season, further reducing his value as a controlled long term option for any potential new team. That is after the well known ugly statistics the reliever has racked up so far this season, including a 2-4 record and a 5.86 ERA to go with his blown saves and holds.

Ironically, the Dodgers are seeking bullpen help after having cut Kevin Gregg at the end of Spring Training. The current Cubs closer had gone into Spring with Los Angeles and had registered a sub 1.00 ERA. He is 13 out of 14 in save chances with the North Siders while the Dodgers are now picking from the Cubs scrap heap in the form of Marmol.

Cubbies Crib will definitely keep you posted on the details of a trade if a deal does end up being agreed upon.