Cubs closer Carlos Marmol has been in the rumor mill for a while now, and that's not going to change until he's eventually traded. The latest is that the Cubs want Marmol to "re-establish some trade value" before dealing him, but that they've told his agent to "expect" Marmol to be traded, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.

The report indicates Marmol has provided the Cubs with a list of five teams to which he's willing to be traded.

Marmol, 30, is set to make $9.8 million this season before hitting free agency. He had 20 saves in 23 chances with a 3.42 ERA, 1.54 WHIP and 72 strikeouts in 55 1/3 innings last season. Control is his biggest issue, as Marmol walked 45 guys, giving him a horrible rate of 7.3 per nine innings.

Still, I'm a bit surprised to see the Cubs think he's going to "re-establish" his value. Selling him right now would actually be selling high. After temporarily losing the closing job, Marmol returned to the job in early June and successfully closed 18 of his last 19 save chances with a 2.06 ERA and 55 strikeouts in 39 1/3 innings. It's hard to see him doing any better than that at this point.

I have MANY years of experience in trying to appreciate steaming piles of dogshit.

If you hate Laurence, then don't listen - don't comment. When he co-hosts the B&B show, take that day off ... listen to an old podcast of a Bernstein solo show and jerk off all day.

After the first game it's time to reverse positions. Division winners this season!!!

I have MANY years of experience in trying to appreciate steaming piles of dogshit.

Cubs claim Julio Burbon off waivers from Rangers

Cubs claim Julio Burbon off waivers from Rangers

Is he anything?

I would cover for SHARK, Drop In, Dave in Champaign, my Mom, and Urlacher's Missing Neck. After that, the list gets pretty thin. There are a few people about whom I would definitely fabricate charges.

Matt Garza will miss his next rehab start because of dead arm. Why wouldn't he? Wonderful.

The good news keeps coming. Hendry signed off on a lot of bad paper. Theo has responded with Edwin Jackson.

I would cover for SHARK, Drop In, Dave in Champaign, my Mom, and Urlacher's Missing Neck. After that, the list gets pretty thin. There are a few people about whom I would definitely fabricate charges.

Matt Garza will miss his next rehab start because of dead arm. Why wouldn't he? Wonderful.

rpb is wrong. Phil McCracken is useful.

RPB is right. You suck.

I have MANY years of experience in trying to appreciate steaming piles of dogshit.

How can you have dead arm if you have not thrown a lot in the last few weeks?

The meatball in me says 71-91:
* Pitching is decent but not as good (starter wise) as last year(before trades).
* Hitting might be a little better,still nothing to get excited about.
* Offensively,glaring hole at 3rd,catching,second base and at least one OF position.
Positive note:
* No Houston will hurt other teams W-L records in the division. (Cubs had it tough with Houston)

I'm just predicting a better record because it's hard to lose 100,two years in a row.

Two blow ups in the dugout this week. Gregg whines like a little bitch to the media (possibly going to be released for it). Castillo out for the season with a meniscus tear.

This train wreck is coming to a terrific conclusion.

What did Gregg bitch about?? giving up 4 runs and losing the game?

There is not a damned thing wrong with people who are bull shitters.

Pitchers and Catchers reporting wouldnt be complete without a meatball thread in which I greatly over value the Cubs and their chances.

Garza, after a blistering start, gets signed long term and wins the NL Cy Young.
Castro settles in and is much improved defensively.
Shark regresses and is just meh.
Soriano continues playing well and people continue bitching about his contract even though it is pointless to do so.

Probably not good enough to win the division but maybe can sneak into the wild card.

This is the most meatball I can get this year. Normally I would be prediciting a division title or at the least a trip to the World Series.... Not this season. Last year beat me into submission.

If you hate Laurence, then don't listen - don't comment. When he co-hosts the B&B show, take that day off ... listen to an old podcast of a Bernstein solo show and jerk off all day.