What the Cubs could use, though, is a relief pitcher, especially one that misses bats and can go through a lineup one time. The inability of Carlos Marmol or Aaron Heilman to throw strikes consistently has been an Achilles' heel for the Cubs, who are already on shaky ground in the ninth inning with Kevin Gregg. Angel Guzman has been a revelation, though given his track record you wonder how far he will go before his arm fails. Carrying Rule 5 pick David Patton, a long-term play, isn't helping matters; he may be a luxury that a team with a rapidly closing window cannot afford. The Cubs are going to have to add a reliever to this mix, and Martinez would be an option costing only money, not talent. Heck, he wouldn't be the biggest injury risk (Rich Harden) nor the most hot-tempered pitcher (Zambrano) on the staff.
That Martinez hasn't relieved since 1999 (save for an ALCS appearance in 2004) is a concern, but once you start from the premise that he can't work deep into games, then you're just asking about how best to distribute his innings. With quantity not an option, you have to focus on leverage, and making Martinez a six-out or nine-out guy would change the Cubs' pen dramatically.
Thoughts?
