Cubs getting calls on Marmol: The Chicago Tribune reports that the Cubs have received several trade inquiries on closer Carlos Marmol. New general manager Jed Hoyer had previously told the Tribune that he planned on keeping Marmol as the team's closer, but with a wealth of potential replacements, including Jeff Samardzija, Andrew Cashner and, if re-signed, Kerry Wood, the Cubs could be tempted to move Marmol to fill other needs. Marmol posted a 4.01 ERA in 2011, and he blew 10 of his 44 save opportunities. (Updated 11/28/2011)
Injury Report
No information available at this time (Updated 2/12/12).
Fantasy Analysis
If Marmol can reestablish the break on his slider that he had back in 2010, the Cubs would be selling low on their strikeout artist. The biggest impact that a trade could have on Marmol is if a team is targeting him for a setup role. As long as Marmol gets his save chances, he is viable No. 2 RP in Fantasy, but that status could be in danger if he goes to a team that already has a closer. (Updated 11/28/2011).
12/13/2011 11:23 Top 300 overall for 2012
Our Scott White lays out an initial Top 300 overall list for owners looking to get a jump on Draft Day next spring.
Carlos Marmol saw a dropoff in most of his numbers a year ago as he had a hard time holding onto the closer's role in Chicago. After posting a 2.55 ERA with 38 saves in 43 chances in 2010, he posted a 4.01 ERA in 75 appearances, including going 34 for 44 in save opportunities last season. He temporarily lost the job to Sean Marshall in July -- after blowing six saves -- and he finished the year with just 99 strikeouts in 74 innings pitched. That was a huge dropoff considering his struck out 138 over 77 2/3 innings the year before as hitters began laying off his pitches in the dirt. The right-hander has some unhittable stuff but his wildness makes him a bit of a headache for owners. Marmol is expected to pitch in the ninth inning again for the Cubs this season and with Marshall now in Cincinnati, there is really no one else to challenge him for the job. The 29-year-old can be one of the more valuable closers in the majors but considering his struggles in 2011, target Marmol as a No. 2 Fantasy RP in mixed leagues on Draft Day. (Updated 2/2/12)