The Indians have announced the signing of right-hander Carlos Marmol to a minor league contract. Marmol, a client of the Kinzer Management Group, was reportedly throwing in the mid-90’s from a new arm slot during a scouting showcase in the Dominican Republic.
Velocity has never really been an issue for Marmol over his career, as control (a career 6.2 BB/9) has always plagued his ability to be a reliable bullpen arm. In his prime, Marmol posted a 2.54 ERA and a whopping 441 strikeouts over 308 1/3 innings out of the Cubs bullpen from 2007-10. Even during that impressive stretch, however, he still averaged 5.6 walks per nine innings.
Marmol only managed an 8.10 ERA, 9.5 K/9 and 6.8 BB/9 over 13 1/3 innings with Miami last season. After being released by the Marlins, Marmol signed a minor league deal with the Reds, though he never pitched for Cincinnati on the MLB level and had an overall controversial tenure with the organization.
Cleveland’s bullpen has generally posted middle-of-the-pack bullpen numbers this season, though Marmol is probably seen as more of a project at this point than as someone who could provide immediate help to the Tribe’s relief corps. Marmol’s natural stuff is still so intriguing that there’s no harm for the Indians (once this deal is finalized) in seeing what he has in Triple-A.
FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal reported that a deal was close (Twitter link). SB Nation’s Chris Cotillo reported (via Twitter) that the deal was done.
Boy, imagine the possibilities of a Carlos Marmol that doesn’t walk more than he does strike guys out, a comeback to the big leagues eventually would be a very cool thing to see, though that’s a reach right now. Always really liked his raw stuff, I hope the new arm slot works wonders for the guy.
His delivery was the key to his earlier success but also his downfall. I always knew his high walk rate would hurt him at some point. As kimbrel gets older his high walk rate will hurt him too as his stuff declines the more balls will be put in play which means those walks will start scoring more
That’s why I’m very intrigued by the changed arm slot, maybe it will smooth him out mechanically at least to some degree, because he’s always had the stuff to succeed. Either way, it’s a smart move by the Indians to take a flier, and I hope it works out for both parties.
If a pitching coach could quiet down his delivery even just a little bit, he could still be a good pitcher. His pitches are all over the place because his delivery/mechanics are so hard to repeat.
marmol walking in the same footsteps as joe borowski. good luck, Indian fans. seriously though, when he was on he was ON, and despite his struggles always seemed like a good dude. I hope it works out for him.
Here come the playoffs…NOT. Hail Mary to a guy toiling in the Dom in mid-May. Great planning Tribe front office.