Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2011
Posted: 7:30 PM
By Patrick Mooney
CSNChicago.com
Win or lose, the Cubs say Carlos Marmol is the same person the next day. Hes about to become exponentially richer. Its just a matter of how much.
The Cubs did not reach an agreement with Marmol on Tuesdaythe day to exchange salary arbitration figuresbut they are discussing options for a one-year deal or multi-year extension with his representative. They do not expect to bring this to a hearing.
The Cubs came to terms on Tuesday with their other remaining arbitration-eligible playerspitchers Matt Garza, Tom Gorzelanny and Sean Marshall.
Garza received a one-year deal worth 5.95 million and his acquisition essentially forced out Gorzelanny. The ice storm that shut down Washington is expected to delay Gorzelannys physical until Wednesday. Once completed, the Cubs will obtain three prospects and the Nationals will take on Gorzelannys 2.1 million contract for 2011.
Marshallwho many around the Cubs considered to be the teams MVP last seasonagreed to the security of a two-year deal. The left-handed reliever has settled in the Chicago suburbs and will be due 1.6 million this season and 3.1 million in 2012.
MLB
Marshall went 7-5 with a 2.65 ERA in 80 games last year, becoming such a vital part of the bullpen that its almost impossible to move him back into the rotation.
The end game with Marmol is basically the last major offseason item remaining for Jim Hendry. The general manager and his staff were able to structure the contracts in a way that they will pay Garza, first baseman Carlos Pena and reliever Kerry Wood less than 11 million in 2011 dollars.
The bill to address those three needs will ultimately be closer to 17.5 millionPena accepted a signing bonus and deferred moneyplus the cost of prospects and Woods understood future role somewhere in the organization.
Those economic gymnastics were needed to hit budget. The major-league payroll will be less than the approximately 145 million committed for Opening Day 2010, probably closer to 130-135 million.
Marmol dominated in his first full season as closer while earning 2.125 million. The right-hander with the wicked slider saved 38 of his teams 75 victories. He did not allow a run after Aug. 25, finishing with a 2.55 ERA.
Marmols agent, Barry Praver, would have liked just one more strikeout, because then he could have pointed to an even 16 strikeouts per nine innings pitched. As it stands, Marmols 15.99 strikeouts per nine innings pitched last season was the highest for a reliever in major-league history.
Yes, Marmol is wild at times, but a band appears to be forming for closers. David Aardsma settled for 4.5 million with the Mariners on Tuesday, while the Red Sox gave 12 million to Jonathan Papelbon.
Until last year with Ryan Theriot, Hendry had never taken a player to arbitration in more than a decade as a Cubs executive.
The Cubs like Marmols makeup and how the 28-year-old easily forgets a bad game. They recognize the value of being able to close in front of 40,000 screaming fans at Wrigley Field. Its just a question of what price the two sides put on that extraordinary ability.
PatrickMooney is CSNChicago.com's Cubs beat writer. FollowPatrick on Twitter @CSNMooneyfor up-to-the-minute Cubs news and views.