Cubs Notes: Marmol, Watkins, Jackson
After dealing Alfonso Soriano yesterday, the Chicago Cubs are actively trying to find a deal to move closer Carlos Marmol. This shouldn't come as a surprise, as the Cubs had a potential suitor for Marmol this offseason. The Angels almost sent Dan Haren to Chicago in a deal for the closer, but after receiving Haren's medical records, the Cubs staff decided it was best to not pursuit the deal. Marmol is set to start the 3rd year of his $21 million contract in 2013. He also has a no trade clause, which will make the deal even harder for Epstein and co. to make.
"My mind is clear," said Marmol, when asked about trade rumors. "I don't worry about what is being said now. At the beginning of spring training I was a little confused about where I would be. I had never been in this situation before last November, when I was almost traded. I was a little shocked then and early spring (training)."
Potential landing spots for the closer include Baltimore, Detroit, Toronto, Chicago (Sox), and both of the Los Angeles teams.
In another transaction today, 2B/OF Logan Watkins was called up and placed on the major league roster. This comes after the trade of Soriano and the placing of Scott Baker on the 60 day DL. Watkins is called upon because of his versatility, and his willingness to play anywhere in the field. The 23 year old will also bring another left handed bat into Chicago's lineup when he plays.
Chicago will probably use Watkins as an outfielder and a spot starter in the infield until Brett Jackson is ready. Jackson, coming off of an unimpressive spring will begin the year in AAA Iowa. The Cubs brass has been adamant on leaving Jackson down in AAA to get him at bats, giving him the Anthony Rizzo treatment. Cubs fans can hope that Jackson produces the same way Rizzo did in his minor league stint last year. Rizzo worked on his plate discipline and swing and mashed AAA pitching. "Brett's time will come, but we're not trying to rush anything right now," said Epstein, the President of Baseball Operations.
The Cubs do have one spot open on their 25 man roster, and on their 40 man, so another transaction may be in the works. Keep an eye on the north side of Chicago.