Trading Carlos Marmol

It’s hard to believe Dale Sveum has any confidence left in Carlos Marmol.

Marmol’s performance Sunday, full of walks, wildness and unforced errors, has become common place for the right-hander. Not even a five-run lead could keep us from biting our fingernails.

The idea Marmol would improve from a dreadful 2011 season has nearly vanished. He’s allowed more walks (9) than innings pitched (7.2) and his five-runs allowed nearly matches his six strikeouts.

He’s also blown 2 of 3 save opportunities.

I’ve continually pleaded for the Cubs to return Marmol to a setup role, but it seems ever since he signed ‘closer money’ following the 2010 season it’s not a topic up for debate.

In the unlikely event Marmol does regain his form it’s probably best that doesn’t happen with the Cubs, or won’t happen with the Cubs.

No need to keep a veteran guy you can’t count on, especially with the game on the line and the club already in search of its future closer. 

So why not let another club gamble on Marmol’s past success?

For all the reasons stated above it’s understandable why finding a taker for Marmol won’t come easily for GM Jed Hoyer.

Marmol still has another year remaining on his contract–and $9.8M is no small chunk of change. But I imagine there are real possibilities for finding Marmol another suitor.