Chicago Cubs: Theo Epstein is in no hurry to make bullpen moves

Fans are desperately calling for the Chicago Cubs to make bullpen moves only a week into the season. However, Theo Epstein does not seem to be eager to do anything just yet.

It has been a bit of a frustrating start for a Chicago Cubs bullpen that has allowed multiple leads to slip away. As a result, the Cubs began the year at the bottom of the National League Central while the Milwaukee Brewers got off to a hot start.

In Milwaukee, Craig Counsell can call upon Josh Hader to record six out saves due to loser his closer. Having Corey Knebel missing out on the remainder of the year will likely come back to haunt the Brewers pending a big signing.

Which is exactly what the fans want Cubs’ President Theo Epstein to do. Let’s face it, Craig Kimbrel would be a fantastic signing for Chicago, but it wouldn’t necessarily fix the issues within this bullpen.

More from Chicago Cubs News

• Cubs starting pitching has been thriving on the North Side
• Make no mistake: the Cubs are very much about power hitters
• Cubs: It’s time to start thinking about potential September call-ups
• Cubs: P.J. Higgins deserves to be in the lineup on a daily basis
• Cubs might start to limit Justin Steele’s workload soon

Still, it would be nice having a reliable veteran arm to come in and keep control of whatever momentum is on this clubs side.

While speaking to Chicago Tribune reporters on Wednesday, Epstein said, “It’s 162 games and things are going to happen.”

You’re right, Theo. Spot on. Things are going to happen, slumps will be had, and there’s nothing anybody can do except move forward and do what it takes to turn things around. So, keep your hands off the panic button. We’re nowhere near the halfway point.

Relax, just breathe

We’ve been down this road before, but it seems as if we need to work on our breathing exercises yet again. Just days into the season, people are calling for the hook to be pulled on Carl Edwards Jr. and Yu Darvish.

There’s not a lot you can do when umpires are not calling strikes when they’re being thrown. Or else we’d have nothing to complain about later on, right? This season has barely opened its eyes as Theo said, and there’s plenty of baseball that needs to be played.

"“We have a pretty good track record when it comes to the bullpen, and I expect this year will be no different.” — Epstein via Chicago Tribune"

This club will not be sitting at the bottom of the Central for long, so do not get used to it. Plus, Opening Day for minor league affiliates is underway, allowing front offices to make proper moves in order to prevent further damage.

If the need to bring someone like Dallas Keuchel or Kembrel on board then it’ll happen when it’s time. But right now is not the time. An important date with the Brewers is upon us so it’s time to play early underdogs and set the tone after a shaky opening.