Advertisement

Change of scenery: Cubs acquire Fernando Rodney to shore up bullpen

The Chicago Cubs are the latest club to take a shot on reliever Fernando Rodney. The team acquired the 38-year-old reliever from the Seattle Mariners for a player to be named or cash considerations Thursday.

Rodney was designated for assignment by the Mariners on Saturday. Through 50 2/3 innings, he's posted a 5.68 ERA this season. While his numbers aren't particularly impressive, it was expected a playoff team would take a shot on Rodney due to his upside.

When Rodney is right, and his mechanics are sound, he's capable of performing like one of the best relievers in the game. He famously posted a 0.60 ERA over 74 2/3 innings with the Rays in 2012, reinvigorating his career.

While Rodney is unlikely to return to that level with his new club, he will be reunited with his former manager Joe Maddon.

Rodney experienced the best two years of his career under Maddon, so perhaps the Cubs are hoping he can help make Rodney effective again.

(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Even if Maddon, or pitching coach Chris Bosio, fails to turn Rodney around, the move is worth the risk. The team isn't giving up much to acquire the reliever, so there's not a lot on the line here. If Rodney displays signs of a comeback, the club just got an excellent addition for the playoffs. If not, they can cut bait with him for next to nothing.

The good thing is, the Cubs don't have to push him into a major role any time soon. The team has a firm grasp on a wild card spot, and already has a stable of relievers who can get the job done in the late innings. Rodney can be brought along slowly, and, if he proves himself, can be elevated into higher leverage situations.

[Check out Big League Stew on Tumblr for even more baseball awesomeness.]

All in all, it's not a bad move for a contending club. Rodney isn't going to singlehandedly sink the Cubs if he stinks, but could be a difference-maker if all goes right. Taking a shot on a guy like Rodney is precisely the type of move a smart team makes late in the season.

More MLB coverage from Yahoo Sports:

- - - - - - -

Chris Cwik is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at christophercwik@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Chris_Cwik