Cubs Hopeful To Make Marmol Deal Before Arbitration
Carlos Marmol was a big part of the Cubs bullpen last season and Jim Hendry wants to keep him around.
Chicago Cubs general manager Jim Hendry said Sunday expects to have a new contract for closer Carlos Marmol completed before a scheduled arbitration hearing Tuesday.
Marmol's agent Barry Praver was at the team's spring training complex Sunday when pitchers and catchers reported. He was expected to meet with Hendry and discuss the deal.
Marmol, who made 38 saves with a 2-3 record and 2.55 ERA last season, had asked for $5.65 million in arbitration while the Cubs countered with an offer of $4.1 million.
"We've done a lot of deals with Barry Praver over the years," Hendry said. "We've been working on avenues on a multi-year deal or a potential one-year deal. Certainly I don't have any anticipation that something won't be done before the arbitration hearing date."
Marmol, 28, took over the closer's role in August 2009 and has 61 career saves. Hendry said a new deal could be announced by the end of the first official workout on Monday.
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