At the Winter Meetings, the Cubs indicated that the bullpen will be improved with small moves.
The Cubs picked up LHP Wesley Wright who will be in the bullpen. Theo Epstein believes that Arodys Vizcaino, who the Cubs acquired in 2012 but has not pitched for 2 years due to set-backs from Tommy John surgery, will also be in the bullpen. Epstein said that Vizcaino is healthy now -- and he was throwing 98 mph in the
Dominican instructional league.
Vizcaino was a starting pitcher for the Braves. By putting him in the bullpen can be a signal that the club is going to take it easy on his pitching arm to build up innings, or the acknowledgement that he is a failed starter at this point in his career.
The bullpen begins to shape up like this"
Closer: Fujikawa, coming off his own lost season due to injury.
Set-Up: Strop, who some believe could be the heir apparent closer.
8th: Vizcaino, if he is truly healthy.
LHP: Russell, who was overworked last season
LHP: Wright, who is a true LOOGY.
RHP: Parker, who fell into a long reliever by default last season.
Long/Spot Starter: Villaneuva, who could get a shot at the 5th starter role this spring.
Overall, the Cubs are tweaking not rebuilding their bullpen. There is no track record to see if Fujikawa will be any better than Kevin Gregg, or Vizcaino will be better than Hector Rondon.
