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Chicago Cubs: 5 relievers to round out bullpen

By Joshua Sadlock

Nov 1, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Travis Wood throws a pitch against the Cleveland Indians in the 9th inning in game six of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 1, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Travis Wood throws a pitch against the Cleveland Indians in the 9th inning in game six of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 15, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Joe Blanton (55) throws against the Chicago Cubs during the eighth inning of game one of the 2016 NLCS playoff baseball series at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Joe Blanton (55) throws against the Chicago Cubs during the eighth inning of game one of the 2016 NLCS playoff baseball series at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Joe Blanton, RHP

Blanton was out of baseball entirely in 2014, but has done a nice job reinventing himself as a reliever the past two seasons. The veteran right-hander has pitched to a 2.65 ERA for the Kansas City Royals, Pittsburgh Pirates and Los Angeles Dodgers while showing solid control. As a former starter, Blanton has shown the ability to take the ball for more than one inning at a time. He’s thrown 156.0 innings in 111 games over the past two years.

At 36, Blanton continues to rely on his control and strong sinking fastball. He doesn’t let up many walks, and keeps the ball on the ground and in the ballpark. The Cubs may decide to take a pass on Blanton, however, after watching him implode in the NLCS last fall. He pitched in three games in the series, and allowed seven runs.

The Cubs should be seeking a veteran arm to round out their bullpen, and Blanton would do his job without much fanfare in Chicago. As a dependable veteran, Blanton should have no problem finding a multi-year contract with a contender. He could do much worse than signing with the Cubs to chase his second World Series title. The Detroit Tigers, Philadelphia Phillies or Kansas City Royals could also be bidding for Blanton’s services.

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