Closer and closer

Last night I complained a bit about Cubs Manager Lou Piniella. In the posting I stated that I did not feel he was acting like someone leading a team to the post season, but instead was acting like a mad scientist in his dugout laboratory.

Truthfully, I did not say it in those words. If you go back and look, you will be disappointed. Nevertheless, Mr. Piniella and his machinations are bothersome and it may not be long before they are tiresome.

Ryan Dempster has not pitched poorly as the Cubs closer. The Cubs have no one, besides Bob Howry and Scott Eyre, who have major league experience as a closer. Rocky Cherry and Clay Rapada have minor league experience, but neither are ready for this jump.

Why move an established closer to a fifth position starting role without a suitable replacement when you have several people chomping at the bit for a starting position? Sean Marshall is 3-0 in five minor league starts. Wade Miller is done with rehab. Neal Cotts… never mind.

Then it hit me. The Cubs are getting ready to trade for a new closer. Piniella may have let the cat out too soon by offering the starting job to Dempster, but that could be what is rolling around in the hearts and minds of the front office.

We know we have too many outfielders. Alfonzo Soriano and Cliff Floyd are untouchable and Felix Pie and Matt Murton should be. That leaves Jacque Jones and Angel Pagan.

Remember last week when Piniella stated that Pagan could be the starting centerfielder? Maybe it will not happen on this club, but somewhere else?

Maybe a little package of Jones, Pagan and Michael Wuertz (Cotts isn’t tradeable) could be enough to lure a closer in the last year of his contract.

If it happens, and it could, remember you read about it here first!