As trade talks swirl, Cubs Carlos Marmol remains focused – MLB News
Chicago Cubs’ acquisition of new players is being interpreted in different ways. For some, it is long-term investment to sustain success, or few this is more of a daring – and probably less lucrative, enterprise.
Be that as it may, bringing in the Japanese reliever Kyuji Fujikawa will go a long way to determine the nature of the success as far as the pitching is concerned. Bullpen has not remained the Cubs’ forte; but a reliever who has an impressive experience to
display can help fortify it.
With the arrival of Fujikawa, nonetheless, there is a debate – albeit not a vociferous one, on the fate of Carlos Marmol – the Cubs’ closer. There are some questions whether or not the club intends to keep Marmol or trade.
Amid the ostensible uncertainty, questions are also being asked if Fujikawa is to be the team’s closer in the coming season. While the matter is subject to discussion, Carlos Marmol is to stay – so it seems for now.
Be it the trade talks or the lingering question about the potential role of Fujikawa, Marmol is trying to stay focused on what is more important: Pitching, and pitching effectively. It is the Cubs’ decision how to go about it at the end, so says Marmol.
“Baseball is a business and I understand that,” Marmol said. “Hey, they almost traded me already so I can’t be surprised if it happens. I am a Cub and I hope to stay with them, but most of that is up to them. I will come to spring training ready to do my
job and try to help the Cubs win.”
There came a time in November when the Cubs were rumoured considering trading the closer to the Los Angeles for Dan Haren. But as things moved, the deal did not see materialization for whatever reasons.
While Marmol’s focus remains pitching, and pitching well, he did acknowledge the trade talk had somehow made him nervous. But then again, he was ready for it.
“When they asked me to be traded I was nervous and sad but I said yes because I was going to a great team that has a chance to win,” Marmol said. “Baseball is about winning and making money for your family so I look forward to doing both.”
Whatever the end result of the questions, debates and rumours, Marmol has a clear set of prioritises wherein pitching figures central.
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