Cubs, Dodgers talking potential Carlos Marmol trade
Nothing is done yet, but the Cubs and Dodgers are talking about a trade that would send maligned reliever Carlos Marmol to LA. It would only be a money saver for the Cubs.
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The Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers are in talks for a trade that would send struggling reliever Carlos Marmol to Los Angeles, confirms Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com.
Any move would be a minor one, with the Cubs getting little more than salary relief.
The Cubs designated Marmol for assignment last week, essentially ending his tenure with the only big-league club that he's ever known. The move triggered a 10-day period during which Marmol would have to accept an assignment to the minors, be traded or be granted his outright release. Thus, the Cubs have little leverage in any deal.
Heyman does report, however, that the Dodgers would absorb some of Marmol's remaining salary (a bit more than $5 million), so it would still be a worthwhile move for Chicago. Marmol is making $9.8 million total this season, the final year of a three-year deal signed under the Cubs' previous general manager, Jim Hendry.
Marmol, 30, collected four losses and three blown saves this season against two saves and five holds. He carries a 5.86 ERA, 1.70 WHIP and 21 walks in 27 2/3 innings.
Still, this is a guy who was among the best relievers in baseball through parts of 2007 through 2010. Even last season from June 12 on, Marmol saved 18 games in 19 chances with a 2.06 ERA and 55 strikeouts in 39 1/3 innings. Obviously, the Dodgers would be hoping to get Good Marmol, which would provide a significant boost to their bullpen.
Coincidentally, the Dodgers and Cubs are tied for the most blown saves in the National League with 16.
Bruce Levine of ESPN Chicago first reported that the two clubs were discussing this potential trade.
