The Iowa Cubs have been given a much-needed boost with the addition of three veteran relievers: Drew Pomeranz, Liam Hendriks, and Aaron Bummer. While their recent performances have been less than stellar, the Cubs are hoping to find some hidden gems in their minor league system. The team is in dire need of pitching help, and these three players could be the answer to their prayers. However, the question remains: can these past-their-prime pitchers still contribute to the team's success?
In my opinion, the Cubs are taking a calculated risk by bringing these players back. Drew Pomeranz, once a dominant left-handed reliever, has seen his performance decline significantly after a strong showing with the Cubs last season. His $4 million deal with the Angels didn't pan out, and the Cubs are now giving him another chance. While it's a long shot, the Cubs are hoping that Pomeranz can find his form again and provide some much-needed relief.
Liam Hendriks, a former White Sox closer, has had a rough go of it since being diagnosed with cancer and undergoing UCL reconstruction. His fastball may still sit around 95 mph, but his effectiveness as a high-leverage reliever is in question. The Cubs are giving him a chance to prove himself, but it's a risky move. Hendriks will need to find his form quickly if he wants to contribute to the team's success.
Aaron Bummer, once one of the best groundball pitchers in baseball, has also seen his performance decline. The Cubs are hoping that he can recapture some of his former glory, but it's a tall order. Bummer's repertoire, once almost purely sinker/slider, has evolved into a starter's mix with less velocity. The Cubs will need to play around with his pitching to find what works best.
What makes this situation particularly fascinating is the potential for these players to turn their careers around. While it's a long shot, the Cubs are taking a chance on players who have the talent and experience to contribute to the team's success. If they can find some form of effectiveness, it could be a huge boost to the team's bullpen.
However, the Cubs are also being realistic. They know that these players may not live up to their potential, and that's okay. The team is in a tough spot, and they need to try everything they can to improve their chances of making the trade deadline. If these players fizzle out at Triple-A, the Cubs will have learned a valuable lesson and moved on.
In my view, the Cubs are taking a calculated risk with these three players. While it's a long shot, the potential rewards could be significant. If they can find some form of effectiveness, it could be a huge boost to the team's chances of making the trade deadline. But if they don't, the Cubs will have learned a valuable lesson and moved on.
