Chicago Cubs' Carlos Marmol witnessing a rise – MLB News
As the Chicago Cubs are witnessing an almost meteoric rise, the team’s closer Carlos Marmol has come to play a significantly important role in it. The Chicago Cubs' manager Dale Sveum on Sunday, July 29, expressed his confidence in Marmol, saying the closer’s confidence is soaring now.
"It's all confidence now," Sveum said. "It's confidence in being able to throw his fastball to get the swings and misses now, and guys aren't just waiting for a slider. The velocity, throwing strikes, getting back in counts, now he's gotten more swings and misses on strikes. His confidence has to be on a high level."
Dale Sveum’s assessment holds immense weight. For instance, a quick look at last few weeks’ performance of Marmol brings to light his ever improving command and skill.
Since May 2, he has been able to convert 12 save opportunities. This excellent display of game has considerably helped the Cubs to bolster their position in the National League Central.
Thus, the slump which was being witnessed until the very first half of the season is being modified into ascension.
In the 38 games that Carlos Marmol has played this season so far, he has had 13 saves now. He has pitched a total of 32.1 innings, allowing only 19 runs with 40 strike-outs to his credit, maintaining 1.79 WHIP.
One of the noticeable changes in the recent weeks has been the increase in the closer’s velocity. But the team manager thinks it is part of the pitching strategy that Marmol has put in place. One really has to concur with that evaluation.
"He's always had [velocity]," Sveum said. "Before, he didn't want to throw his fastball for a strike so he wouldn't air it out."
If the closer continues to evince this performance, especially in this set of conditions and circumstances where the Cubs are gradually regaining the confidence and form, it will tremendously benefit the team in the long run.
With six-year experience, Marmol constitutes an important part of the Cubs bullpen. The Cubs, therefore, expect the continuation of this amazing performance to keep the team afloat.
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