- Commissioner’s statement on Ventura, Marte
- Ronnie O’Sullivan: Masters champion ‘felt so vulnerable’ in final
- Arron Fletcher Wins 2017 WSOP International Circuit Marrakech Main Event ($140,224)
- Smith challenges Warner to go big in India
- Moncada No. 1 on MLB Pipeline’s Top 10 2B Prospects list
- Braves land 2 on MLB Pipeline’s Top 10 2B Prospects list
- Kingery makes MLB Pipeline’s Top 10 2B Prospects list
- New Zealand wrap up 2-0 after Bangladesh implosion
- Mathews, Pradeep, Gunathilaka to return to Sri Lanka
- Elliott hopes for rain for Poli
Cubs add ‘funk’ to bullpen, acquire Smith from Angels
- Updated: August 2, 2016
CHICAGO — Joe Maddon likes having some funk in the bullpen, and the Cubs feel they found that in right-hander Joe Smith.
The Cubs acquired the sidearm throwing Smith, 32, from the Angels on Monday in exchange for Minor League pitcher Jesus Castillo, who was pitching at short-season Eugene. Smith is the fourth reliever the Cubs have added recently, joining Aroldis Chapman, Mike Montgomery and Joe Nathan.
“After getting Chapman, it puts us in a really good spot,” Cubs starter Jake Arrieta said of the addition of Smith. “The move for Joe was another one that helps us address a need to have a guy who can come in and be effective against big right-handed bats in crucial times in any games. I don’t know if it’s a huge move, but it’s a move that definitely helps us.”
Maddon compared the addition to when the Rays added sidearm reliever Chad Bradford in 2008.
“I love funk — funk in the bullpen is a good thing,” Maddon said. “No hitter likes to see funk in the bullpen.”
“He’s a veteran guy, outstanding makeup, outstanding competitor,” Cubs general manager Jed Hoyer said of Smith, who was expected at Wrigley Field on Tuesday. “He gives us a different look out of the bullpen — he’s a sidearm, ground-ball guy. We don’t have …
continue reading in source mlb.mlb.com
