Keep your ass on that bench, Sean.
It's the right move...it's the right move for 3 reasons.
First, Marshall, in his career, has been much more effective as a relief pitcher than a starting pitcher. Carlos Silva has been as well, but almost all of his games in relief came at the beginning of his career when he was good. Tom Gorzelanny has been better as a starter.
Second, the Cubs have plenty of serviceable starters. They don't have crap in the bullpen. I've said it before, and I'll say it again, one of this teams strengths is the starting rotation...and it is still strong even without Rich Harden and Ted Lilly, this team has a good starting rotation. I'm sorry, but this bullpen is shaping up to be a disaster. We have a closer that many people think is iffy at best. After that, the only player that has stood out this spring has been Esmailin Caridad...um...ickers. Adding Marshall to the bullpen will at least add one other pitcher that could get a few people out. And John Grabow? Forget it.
Third, John Grabow can't get lefties out. One of the biggest mistakes about signing John Grabow to the contract he got was the fact, as a left handed pitcher, he pitches poorly against left handed hitters. Sean Marshall is more effective against lefties. It will be important that the Cubs have someone out in the 'pen to get a lefty out in a clutch situation. Gorzelanny has been more effective against lefties than Marshall, but he hasn't been an effective relief pitcher.
So there...people. Deal with it. Marshall belongs in the 'pen.
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Expect another round of roster cuts today. When the sun sets today, the team will only have a handful of players that won't make the trip to Atlanta in 10 days.
Really the most interesting thing to watch will be what will happen in the bullpen. The names and numbers are pretty miserable out there.
We are close...the season is almost here!
