Is the Chicago Cubs bullpen good enough to start this season?
The Chicago Cubs have their roster pretty much set for the start of the season. They’ve upgarded starting pitching, catching and their outfield. The Cubs have given Joe Maddon plenty of options to create the best roster available come Opening Day.
That being said, the Cubs could still make a few more moves to improve their bullpen as the relief corps are full with young, inexpensive arms.
The Cubs have quality arms like Neil Ramirez, Justin Grimm and Hector Rondon while Pedro Strop could also add another piece if he solves his arbitration case. However, there are no proven lefties and aside from Jason Motte. And many of the options don’t have a lot of MLB innings under their belt.
The reality is that there are several players that could upgrade the bullpen and wouldn’t cost too much.
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Francisco Rodriguez, and Rafael Soriano have closing experience and they would be great options as an insurance policy in case Rondon fails to replicate his 2014 results. Joe Thatcher and Neal Cotts would also be good options. The only true lefty specialist is Zac Rosscup – unless Wada or Wood are converted into bullpen arms should they fail to earn a rotation spot.
There are other intriguing options on the market such as Alexi Ogando, who’s trying to make his way back after injury. And a trade is always a possibility, especially considering that the Cubs have players like Welington Castillo, Edwin Jackson or high-quality prospects that could be used on a package to fill a specific need.
Bottom line is the Cubs might not be done with their roster, and they would be wise to add a little more experience to their bullpen as they prepare for what should be an exciting 2015 season.