Cubbies Crib
FanSided

Chicago Cubs’ bullpen is taking on a whole new look

By Sayre Bedinger

Jul 9, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman (54) delivers in the eleventh inning against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 9, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman (54) delivers in the eleventh inning against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 10
Next
Apr 6, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Joe Nathan (36) point to home during the ninth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Comerica Park. Detroit won 4-0. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 6, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Joe Nathan (36) point to home during the ninth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Comerica Park. Detroit won 4-0. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

Joe Nathan

The Cubs took a chance on the 41-year old Nathan, a former All-Star closer who recently made his season debut against the Milwaukee Brewers.

Nathan’s debut got off to a horrid start, giving up a triple and a walk before he struck out the side in what proved to be a critical inning of work in a game that the Cubs wound up winning with a five-run rally.

Per reports, Nathan’s stuff has been pretty good as he ascended through the minors, his fastball topping out in the low 90s with his slider — not what it used to be — moving well.

If the Cubs can get anything from the right-handed Nathan, it’s going to be a huge plus. He has a ton of experience in big games, and after Tommy John surgery wants to end his baseball career on his own terms.

If he can continue to pitch like he did in the second half of his first outing with the Cubs, he’ll be a phenomenal gamble by the Cubs’ front office.

Next: Wood

Home/Chicago Cubs News