Billy Wagner As Cubs Closer?

Cliff Corcoran’s article from Sports Illustrated addresses the needs of all 30 teams this offseason.

For the Cubs he’s listed one outfielder and one rotation spot as the primary need. His list of potential candidates includes: Jermaine Dye, Rick Ankiel and John Lackey.

Without question, there’s a need at center field and the rotation, but I respectfully disagree with Corcoran’s assessment that this is a top priority above bullpen help.

The Cubs must improve its pen’ first. Continuing to rely on has-beens like Bob Howry and Aaron Heilman to carry the heavy-load is disastrous.

Not to mention, the assumption that Carlos Marmol will be a lights-out closer is premature. Obviously, Marmol is a terrific set-up guy, perhaps the best in all of baseball, but his tendency to put men on base makes him anything but automatic in save situations.