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Cubs Looking to Re-Sign John Grabow

By Brett on September 15, 2009

If there’s one thing Chicago Cubs general manager Jim Hendry knows how to do excellently, it’s re-sign his players. But if there’s a related thing he also knows how to do excellently, it’s re-sign players that he probably shouldn’t to deals that he definitely shouldn’t. Think Neifi Perez. We call these signings Jim Hendry specials.

And Jim Hendry thinks reliever John Grabow, acquired mid-season along with Tom Gorzelanny, is pretty special.

According to major league sources, the Cubs have begun talks with left-handed pitcher John Grabow on a two-year contract extension. Grabow can become a free agent in November, but the Cubs hold exclusive negotiating rights with him until free agency begins 10 days after the last game of the World Series.

Grabow would be the team’s primary left-handed set-up man next season and would have some chances to close games when right-hander Carlos Marmol has too many opportunities in a row. ESPN Chicago.

I understand wanting a quality set-up man, but haven’t we danced this dance before?

Mark Guthrie, Scott Eyre, Bobby Howry. That’s what can happen when you pay big bucks for a set-up pitcher.

Kyle Farnsworth,* Joe Borowski. That’s what can happen when you re-sign a reliever for big bucks because he pitched adequately for a part of one year.

Am I plainly opposed to re-signing Grabow? No, not at all. I think he could be a solid contributor next year. But do I think he’s worth the multi-year and multi-million dollar deal he’s going to get? Absolutely not. Let’s hope he’s really enjoyed his time in Chicago, and is willing to take a very reasonable deal.

*Yes, yes, I know Farnsworth was re-signed during his arbitration years. But the Cubs didn’t have to re-sign him.

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Brett Taylor is the lead writer at Bleacher Nation, and can also be found as Bleacher Nation on Twitter and on Facebook.