Chicago Cubs: Pedro Strop said financial restrictions kept him away

Former Chicago Cubs’ setup man Pedro Strop said ‘cap restrictions’ set it up to be $1 million or lower–but he was happy to be wanted after a bad year.

Current Cincinnati Reds and former Chicago Cubs setup man Pedro Strop was happy–which is unusual for him. See, Strop generally pitches angry. But in this case, he was not. In fact, he was glad to see his ex-teammates across the way.

In a piece by Evan Altman, he had no hard feelings against the Cubs. In fact, he was delighted with them across the diamond. Former teammates gave him a hard time, beckoning to throw fastballs. But Strop didn’t care.

"“Usually, I’m really focused and look like I’m mad, Strop sad. “But today, I couldn’t. I couldn’t. I couldn’t do that. It was fun. I was happy to see my ex-teammates in there, enjoying the moment, me pitching against them. Me, too. I enjoyed the moment.”"

In the end, the Cubs let go of Steve Cishek, Brandon Kintzler and Strop. So who will they be replaced with? Well, that is the question. David Ross will decide from eight relievers, and he’s got some choices.

The one thing they did? Tried to bring back Strop. Cap restrictions were set, limiting the total to $1 million. They tried, but it was not enough to bring back #hatstotheleft.

"“I don’t feel bad, like, ‘Oh, they don’t want me no more,’ because they were there. They made me feel good. Even when I didn’t have my best year, they tried to bring me back."

And they did. And they have to admit they did not have his best year. He gave up six home runs in 41 2/3 innings pitched–the most he’s ever given up since his Baltimore Orioles days. And his ERA+ was 90, the year before he came from the Orioles.

The Cubs were committed, but they just weren’t able to sign him. Plus, the Reds had ‘bucco’ bucks, so they were in on almost everyone. Oh, well. The ‘hats to the left’ were worth it, even if he hadn’t had a decent year.