Chicago Cubs: Who’s next in line for the closer’s role?

Steve Cishek

The Cubs acquired Steve Cishek with the hope he’d be able to bridge the gap between the starters to the later innings. His days of closing seem to be behind him. He’s saved 26 games in the past two seasons but has also blown 10 in the process. But he’s been a strong reliever otherwise, allowing a WHIP of 0.896 last season. But could the Cubs call on him if Morrow came into any trouble?

Cishek has been effective in the early part of games, with a SO/W ration of 7.00 and an average allowed of .171. As he moves through the game, his numbers start to change. His SO/W ration drops to 2.00, but he allows just a .158 average. He allowed three home runs, one in each of the three leverage situations. But once he came over to the Rays from the Mariners, he didn’t allow any in 24 2/3 innings.

Maybe in a pinch, Cishek could fill into the closer’s role when needed. But it appears that the mentality to close out ballgames isn’t there anymore. Anything other than an occasional save opportunity to give Morrow a day off might be more than he should take on.