Chicago Cubs' Bullpen May Cause Sleepless Nights for Piniella

With only a few weeks left of Spring Training, there are more questions than one might have expected with regards to the Chicago Cubs' bullpen.

Earlier this spring, the Cubs had many faces which looked capable of taking on the challenge and assuming the role of middle relief.

Jeff Samardzija has posted an unhealthy 9.90 ERA thus far. Many others, such as Luis Vizcaino, who just might make this club because of a technicality but is awful, have been equally unimpressive.

Chad Gaudin appears to be on his way out, with an 11.17 ERA thus far. Others like Kevin Hart (6.14 ERA) and Jose Ascanio (12.71 ERA) may need another month of spring training to attempt to show they belong in the big leagues. Honestly, two young pitchers have been impressive. Those are David Patton (1.35 ERA), and lefty Jason Waddell, who is a non-roster invitee with a 1.13 ERA.

The remaining pitchers are Kevin Gregg, Carlos Marmol, Aaron Heilman, and Neal Cotts. These fellows are the only certainties for now, which may push GM Jim Hendry to go out and look for a few more young arms or veterans who can get the job done out of the bullpen.

There are others I haven't mentioned, like Angel Guzman; however, he has been awful this spring and his ERA is not worth mentioning. Lou Piniella, I hope, has an answer for these concerns and can be the difference between making history this year or once again finding a way to fail again this season.

Finally, about all we can hope for is the leader of our club, Lou Piniella, being a step ahead of possible meltdowns on this pitching staff and doing what Lou has always done: perform like a real COACH.

If you have any suggestions about the concerns I mentioned above, please share them so I can make sure the powers that be see what we the fans are seeing.

Thank you.