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MLB Trade Rumors: Five relief pitcher targets for the Chicago Cubs

By Dan Schmelzer

Jun 6, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Andrew Miller (48) pitches against the Los Angeles Anglels during the eighth inning at Yankee Stadium. The Yankees defeated the Angels 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 6, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Andrew Miller (48) pitches against the Los Angeles Anglels during the eighth inning at Yankee Stadium. The Yankees defeated the Angels 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sean Doolittle
Jun 4, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Oakland Athletics relief pitcher Sean Doolittle (62) delivers a pitch during the eighth inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Sean Doolittle

This is one that makes sense on many levels. Not as exciting of a name as Andrew Miller, but Sean Doolittle is an elite left-handed reliever who would make an immediate impact in the Cubs’ bullpen.

Doolittle was an All-Star closer for the Oakland Athletics in 2014, but missed most of 2015 with a shoulder injury. While he had a slow start to 2016, Doolittle has really gotten back on track and is back to being a dominant, late-inning reliever for the Athletics.

Through 32 appearances, Doolittle has posted an impressive 2.60 ERA and an incredible 32.7% strikeout rate. Doolittle is effective against any opposing batter, but has been particularly great against lefties, as they have only hit .133/.152/.289 against him.

Doolittle would instantly come in as the best left-handed reliever in the Cubs’ bullpen. He and Strop would form an incredible set-up duo at the back of the Cubs’ bullpen as the bridge to Rondon.

I imagine that the 28-41 A’s would be willing to part with their 29-year-old reliever in exchange for solid minor league players. Plus these two teams have made a lot of moves together recently.

Doolittle is an obvious and realistic target for the Cubs. I would not be surprised to learn that they have already mentioned his name to Billy Beane and company.

Next: 3. Fernando Rodney

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