Chicago Tribune

Paul Sullivan: Cubs closers come and go, but Williams, Marmol, Wendell and others will never be forgotten

There has been little job security for Cubs closers over the years, though Craig Kimbrel may be the exception to the rule after signing a three-year, $43 deal with an option for 2022.

With 12 blown saves in 26 opportunities, the Cubs hope they have found the guy who can close out games with consistency and ease the minds of their jittery fans.

We've seen closers acquired, bought and groomed over the years, though few have stuck around long. Some, including Aroldis Chapman, Kerry Wood, Rod Beck and Wade Davis, enjoyed great success in the role. Others, such as LaTroy Hawkins, Rick Aguilera and Carlos Marmol, had their moments but ultimately went down in flames.

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from Chicago Tribune

Chicago Tribune3 min read
Sky Players Voice Confidence In New Team Identity Under Teresa Weatherspoon: ‘She’s Allowing Us To Be Ourselves’
CHICAGO — There’s just one week until Teresa Weatherspoon makes her mark on the WNBA — for the second time in her Hall of Fame career. The Chicago Sky’s new head coach will make her debut at the helm of a professional team next week with the Sky’s se
Chicago Tribune2 min read
Third Member Of Great Horned Owl Family Found Dead In Chicago's Lincoln Park
CHICAGO — The third and final member of a family of great horned owls living in Lincoln Park’s North Pond was found dead Thursday morning. Experts said the bird is suspected to have died from rodent poisoning. The adult female owl was found covered i
Chicago Tribune3 min read
‘Kingdom Of The Planet Of The Apes’ Review: Simian, Begin Again
Strange thing: The recent 2011-17 films in the “Planet of the Apes” franchise, now joined by the chapter opening this week, follow a similar narrative cycle of peril, punishment, survival. And yet these these movies, spaced out in ways Marvel never l

Related Books & Audiobooks