Come to Think of It: Should the Cubs Consider Billy Wagner?

The Cubs are struggling in so many facets of their game that it is difficult to target the one area that needs the most help.

But the recent struggles of Kevin Gregg, combined with the wildness of Carlos Marmol all season, is definitely right up there among the concerns.

Coincidentally, the Mets are getting set to activate Billy Wagner from the disabled list less than a year after undergoing Tommy John surgery. His contract is up at the end of the year (with a $1 million buyout for 2010), so the Mets are expected to shop Wagner.

Wagner is said to have been dominant in his rehab appearances. Of course, the Cubs would still have to pay around $2.75 million for his services the remainder of the season.

Then there is the risk that he isn’t really ready to come back and return to the form that once made Wagner one of the more dominant closers in baseball.  

But what other options exist at this point?

You can continue to suffer with Gregg, you can promote Marmol and have to endure his high-wire act in the ninth inning, or you can use Angel Guzman. But using Guzman limits your setup options, and I just can’t see the Cubs continuing to rely on a guy who can’t find the strike zone in such an important role.

Look, as bad as the Cubs are playing, they still have a chance to win the division. Where they go beyond that is anybody’s guess, but their chances would improve with a reliable closer.

I know this team doesn’t appear to be a playoff-caliber club right now. But let’s face it, with all of the long-term contract obligations and a weak farm system, GM Jim Hendry has no choice but to go for it.  

I don’t know what the Mets would be seeking in return for Wagner, but I can’t imagine it would be much more than salary relief at this point.

I’m not suggesting this is a panacea for the Cubs, but it may be worth considering, come to think of it.