Pedro Strop and Hector Rondon to compete for Chicago Cubs closer’s job?

Former closer Kevin Gregg pretty much shot himself in the foot after his little temper tantrum he threw in the club house during the final month of the regular season.

So now that Kevin Gregg’s second stint with the Chicago Cubs is done and over with, the team is focused on finding the right replacement. It’s no secret that the bullpen needs a lot of work as they struggled for the most part last season.

"“We need more pitching. And as soon as we acquire four or five guys, we’re going to need more after that….We need arms. We’ve got to find or develop those arms, and if you’re not signing them, you better develop them. And if you can’t develop them, then Theo and Jed (Hoyer) and everyone are trying to do the next best thing, which is acquire them.” Chicago Cubs pitching coach Chris Bosio told the Chicago Tribune."

There have been plenty of games where the Cubs had the lead, but ended up falling behind when a starter was pulled. At one point the Cubs were a top team in some hitting categories but seemed to be down and out when giving up the lead.

Now that it’s time to turn the page on yet another closer, two young studs will be hoping to step up and lock down that closer’s role. A role that was once held by the great Carlos Marmol.

Pedro Strop, is a 28 year old right handed relief pitcher that the Cubs acquired in a trade from the Baltimore Orioles. When he stepped in for the Cubbies, he posted a 2.83 ERA with a 0.94 WHIP and a 42/11 K/BB ratio.

No wonder why Gregg lost his mind, he knows what this kid is capable of.

Hector Rondon is a 25 year old righty from Venezuela who underwent Tommy John surgery in 2010 and fractured his elbow in 2011. He was picked up by the Cubs in 2012 from the Rule 5 Draft and made the Opening Day roster in 2013.

Rondon’s put up a 4.77 ERA with 44 strike outs and a 1.54 WHIP in his young career.

Spring Training is going to be interesting for this team.