Cubs rumors: 'Nothing to' Carlos Marmol trade talk

Last night it was reported that right-hander Carlos Marmol didn't appear long for the Chicago Cubs, as Bruce Levine of ESPN Chicago said the team's closer would most likely be pitching elsewhere before Opening Day. However, Gordon Wittenmyer of The Chicago Sun-Times says the Cubs do not expect to trade Marmol until after the start of the regular season.

Wittenmyer notes that there is "nothing to reports of trade interest in Marmol," especially when it comes to the Detroit Tigers. The Tigers were reportedly considering Marmol as a replacement for rookie right-hander Bruce Rondon. This doesn't seem to make much sense, as Marmol has just as much trouble finding the strike zone as Rondon.

This maneuver makes sense for the Cubs, considering Marmol's value isn't exactly sky-high coming off his uninspiring 2012 campaign. The 30-year-old did maintain an ERA of 3.42 while compiling 20 saves last year, but he also walked 7.3 batters per nine innings (BB/9). If Marmol can get off to a hot start this season his trade value would increase, allowing Chicago to demand a higher return.

Marmol was solid for the Cubs in 2010, saving 34 games in 77 appearances with an ERA of 2.55 and a whopping 16 strikeouts per nine innings. However, he's posted an ERA of 3.76 over the last two seasons with 6.5 BB/9.