If you ask yourself what qualities a closer needs, the answer is speed, strikes, and deception.
Let's look at the three possible Cubs closers: Howry, Marmol, and Wood. I would immediately rule out Howry because he is nothing but a very good set-up man. Out of the remaining two, Marmol and Wood, they both have a good fastball. They both throw a lot of strikes. And they both are pretty deceptive.
- B/R Ticket Guide
Marmol has a wicked slider that falls off the table. Wood has a slider that hits lefties in the back foot. They are both pretty good, but Wood is the best. He has more experience than Marmol and has the best arm.
If Wood were the closer, he would know that once he gets up to warm up he's going in.If he's just a set up guy, he could get up, then sit down, then get up again.
That wouldn't be good for his arm. His arm would not be able to take that kind of beating. He has the dominating heat, pounds the strike zone, and can make a batter swing and whiff. Marmol would be a good backup.
If something were to happen to Wood, I would feel confident in Marmol. But as of now, I want Wood in that closer spot, and Lou knows that he "Wood" too.
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