The Chicago Cubs made a deal with the Tampa Bay Rays to acquire a DH/1B/OF bat in Jose Martinez. Now, a lot of Cubs fans bitched and moaned about this deal, and NOT because they didn’t like Martinez. Their issue was because the Cubs obviously need bullpen help and fans believe they should prioritize this area.
While, yes, they need relief help – especially as they are a lock to make the playoffs in 2020. To not have a trusted and proven arm at the back end of the bullpen will be a large issue in the playoffs. The problem is – the Cubs also needed someone that can consistently hit left-handed pitching.
I mentioned to someone complaining online about this deal, Jed Hoyer and Theo Epstein have proven the ability to chew gum and walk at the same time. Just because they made a deal for a hitter – WHICH THEY NEEDED – doesn’t mean they weren’t or are not trying to address their bullpen issues.
In 2019, the Cubs had a .239/.322/.429 slash line against left-handers. In 2020, they are even worse, slashing .208/.325/.333 against southpaws. Martinez, who looks like a poor man’s Nicholas Castellanos, has slashed .319/.392/.554 verse lefties in his career.
Further, he homers in 4.7% of his PA against lefties, whereas he homers in 2.6% of his PA against righties. An amazing 40% of his hits verse lefties are extra-base hits. This is remarkably the same percentage as Castellanos has had verse lefties in his career. Martinez’s slash numbers are considerably better verse lefties (overall) than Castellanos’ numbers are.
Now, Castellanos is an everyday player and someone you need in the lineup. Martinez has had durability issues, is an even worse defensive player than Castellanos, and should really be kept to a spot start at first to help Rizzo get a break or DH against lefty pitchers only.
I am certain the Cubs are working the phones for a relief pitcher. They did sneak that signing of Cody Allen in a few weeks back, and he could be a good get if they can get him right again.
There is some suggestion that the Cubs are in talks with the Boston Red Sox for lefty, Josh Osich. There is belief that the Cubs are interested in Archie Bradley, Arizona Diamondbacks closer. Either of those two pitchers wouldn’t exactly be difference-making and in Bradley’s case would only add some depth but they wouldn’t really be adding a light’s out closer.
The problem with the current relief market is, there are three more teams than usual making the playoffs in 2020. With such a short season, there are several teams that probably shouldn’t be in a playoff hunt, that are. This does two things – increases the price and takes guys off the table that otherwise would be on the market.
There should still be guys that can be had, but it might take moving guys the Cubs aren’t interested in dealing right now.
