Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano is no longer an $18 million set-up man. Instead, he's now an $18 million long reliever. The move could signal a coming return to the starting rotation for Zambrano who was moved to the bullpen about a month ago in an experiment that, to be kind about it, has seen mixed results. Since his last start on April 20 in New York, Zambrano has pitched a total of 8.2 innings in eight games, allowing 15 hits, six runs for a 6.23 ERA, and struck out seven. In only two of those eight relief appearances has Zambrano thrown less than 20 pitches. Said Piniella of the move, "We thought the outcome would be a little different. He's not comfortable in the bullpen pitching short. We're going to use him in a different role, build up some stamina, build up his arm. That's what we're going to do." As for Zambrano, at least he's expressing a team-first attitude: "The boss wants me to close games, I'll close games, if the boss wants me to be a starter again, I'll be a starter again. It's up to them, their choice." more ›

Well consider us shocked. With Ted Lilly due to return to the starting rotation very, very soon, the Cubs have moved starting pitcher Carlos Zambrano to the bullpen. Because Tom Gorzelanny is a more effective starter than the pitcher the team is paying almost $18 million for this year? When Sweet Lou was asked about the move, he said there were concerns over Z's "stuff, experience and durability." Zambrano is 1-2 in four starts this year with a 7.45 ERA so maybe a move to the bullpen in order to help him get back into his old form. It would also seem to be a move meant to shore up a bullpen that's blown too many leads to count this season (and we're only two weeks in). But Z's numbers aren't that much better than Gray or Grabow. Z seemed okay with the decision, claiming he's going to play the role of eighth inning set up man. more ›

The Chicago Cubs firmed up their bullpen with today's announcement that Kevin Gregg will start the season as the team's closer instead of Carlos Marmol. Gregg, acquired during the offseason from the Florida Marlins, was 7-8 with a 3.41 ERA and 29 saves in 38 save opportunities last year while Marmol, primarily a set-up man behind then-closer Kerry Wood, was 2-4 with a 2.86 ERA and 7 saves in 9 save opportunities, though he did look shaky at times compared to his stellar 2007 run as the Cubs' set-up man. Besides more major league experience, Gregg's better statistics throughout Spring Training seem to have given him the edge. Though as the Trib's Paul Sullivan points out, the closer position shouldn't be an issue as between Gregg's experience and Marmol's potential, the team should be fine; it's the middle relief men that's causing some worries with only one left-hander (Neal Cotts) in the bullpen. [Tribune] more ›