A few weeks ago, the Chicago Cubs claimed righty Gonzalez Germen off of waivers from the Mets. Er, I mean Yankees. Er, I mean Rangers. You’ll forgive the confusion there, as Germen, 27, was actually DFA’d and acquired twice during this offseason before he was waived by the Rangers and claimed by the Cubs.
Who then DFA’d and waived him.
But, huzzah! The Cubs have won the derby to keep Germen, who is a legitimately interesting relief arm, as he has cleared waivers and was outrighted to AAA Iowa (Mark Gonzales, and Cubs confirm). Germen’s spot on the 40-man roster was used to add lefty Drake Britton, who had been waived by the Red Sox. We’ll see if he lasts on the 40-man, or if the Cubs try to go this route with him, too (presently, there is no need, as the 40-man is full at an even 40, and there are no additions pending).
Now that Germen remains in the organization – he’ll come to Spring Training to compete for a bullpen spot (in the extremely crowded bullpen race) – I can actually spend some time digging into him a little bit, and give you a more complete write-up on what he brings to the table.