(Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News/TNS)
On Tuesday the Chicago Cubs picked up Jesus Tinoco from the Kansas City Royals for cash. To be blunt, Tinoco is a well-traveled 29-year-old journeyman who has enjoyed limited success at the major league level. His last five appearances in the big leagues, covering five innings, were with the Texas Rangers. In those five innings, Tinoco gave up three runs and walked six. He should fit right into the Cubs pen.
While Tinoco saw action with the Rangers, he was released and subsequently picked up by the Royals. He was later released by the Royals, and the Cubs picked him up for cash.
And this is so Cubs.
Spotting Jed Hoyer
The Cubs know they have a bullpen issue. That’s obvious by the way they constantly try to nickel and dime the situation. Hoyer seems to always try to find a way to put a cheap patch on a hole rather than take a big boy stance and try to remedy a problem. He’s the type of guy who wears a belt and suspenders to make sure his rear end is covered. And he may be trying to use a coupon when acquiring a reliever.
Sometimes Jed has even had some success with this approach. Tyson Miller has had some success with the Cubs, striking out 19 in his 21.2 innings out of the Cubs’ pen. He has also put together an ERA of 1.36. His record his marred somewhat by the three home runs he’s given up. But the Cubs still don’t have a genuine closer.
Julian Merryweather is due back from a rib injury soon. He should be a nice addition, though he’s been more of a setup guy than a closer in his career. He’s another guy the Cubs got on the cheap, being picked up by the Cubs off waivers from the Toronto Blue Jays.
Before we go on, I mentioned Merryweather was coming back from a n injury. It was actually a rib injury. The only similar report of a pitcher with that sort of injury was Marcus Stroman when he was with the Cubs last season. It makes me wonder what the Cubs are doing. Now, back to our story.
The Cubs picking up Jesus Tinoco was a boost, for headline writers
I hope the pickup of Tinoco results in more than attempts at comedy using his name. Of course, I’m probably the only one sinking that low. Here are some examples of headlines I didn’t use:
Can Jesus save the Cubs’ bullpen?
How many can Jesus save for the Cubs?
Are Cubs beyond Jesus’ help?
Cubs look to Jesus for salvation
That reminds me of one of my favorite tweets. It occurred when the Cubs had an infielder named Cody Ransom. I believe it was during the 2013 season. Ransom actually laid down a sacrifice bunt advancing runners into scoring position. But the Cubs, being the Cubs, couldn’t cash in. So, I tweeted something like, “Cubs can’t avail themselves of Ransom sacrifice.” Religious types may get the joke.
And before I get those nasty comments, yes, I believe that Jesus is the way to salvation. I just don’t think Jesus Tinoco will be the Cubs’ bullpen salvation.
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