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Cubs Acquire Fernando Rodney

The Cubs are going to try out another old relief pitcher.

By Al Yellon
Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Wrigley Field appears to be the rest home for older closers who are having trouble getting people out, as they have now acquired former Mariner Fernando Rodney.

Here's the latest:

To make room on the 25- and 40-man rosters:

Theo & Co. seem to be trying to complete a set of Joe Maddon closers, as Rafael Soriano closed for Maddon's Rays in 2010 and Rodney had the same job in 2012 and 2013. (For the record, Maddon's other primary closers in Tampa were Tyler Walker in 2006, Alberto Reyes in 2007, Troy Percival in 2008, J.P. Howell in 2009, Kyle Farnsworth in 2011 and Jake McGee in 2014. Don't think any of those guys will be coming to the Cubs.)

Rodney had a pretty good year for the Mariners in 2014, but was bad almost all of this year, posting a 5.68 ERA and 1.500 WHIP and having six blown saves. He's 38 and likely past his sell-by date, but at this point, I think the Cubs would try just about anyone in the bullpen. Again, if he's bad, he can simply be released. Officially, from a Cubs press release:

The Chicago Cubs today acquired right-handed pitcher Fernando Rodney from the Seattle Mariners for a player to be named or cash consideration. Additionally, left-handed pitcher Zac Rosscup has been optioned to Triple-A Iowa and right-handed pitcher Brian Schlitter has been designated for assignment.

It will likely be "cash considerations," rather than any player, going to the Mariners. Maybe Rodney has one month's worth of decent pitching left in him; this is almost certainly his last major-league season.

It also means that Schlitter, who had likely been in line for a September callup, is done as a Cub.

Rodney will have to change his No. 56, which he's worn his entire career. That's taken by Hector Rondon.

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