In the wake of Angel Guzman’s shoulder issues, the Chicago Cubs are being attached to a number of reliever rumors. Some are nothing new – the Cubs are still interested in Luke Gregerson from the San Diego Padres or Jason Frasor from the Blue Jays – but some are brand new.
The Cubs, who currently are scouting the Cactus and Graperfruit Leagues for a setup man, would be interested in both [Pedro] Martinez and [John] Smoltz “down the line,” according to a major-league source. FOX Sports on MSN.
It’s hard to know what “down the line” means, unless Smoltz and Martinez are currently seeking more money than they should be. Neither would be a terribly exciting addition, but they would add some veteran influence in the pen. Smoltz, who will turn 43 this year, has been exclusively a starter since 2004. He was brutal last year in Boston, but was adequate after moving on to St. Louis.
Martinez, 38, has exclusively been a starter in his career, but many believe if he’s got a future, it’s in the bullpen. He pitched just 9 games last year for the Phillies, but made the most of it.
As for the two trade targets, we’ve discussed Gregerson and Frasor at length before. The former is younger, on the upswing and under control for a couple years; the latter is in his mid-30s, had a career year last year, and is a free agent after this year. Take a wild guess at which one the Cubs will end up with. Either way, with Guzman out, you can bet that the asking price just went up.